Summary of this week's sermon
Every week we want to have a 5 day devotional recapping our previous sermon so we can grow deeper together.
This Sunday Pastor Scott continued in our series for Christmas entitled, "Through the Eyes of." This is week we are looking at The Shepherds.
Day 1: God Sees Beyond Status
Devotional
When God chose to announce the birth of His Son, He didn't send angels to palaces or temples. Instead, He sent them to shepherds in a field - people who were considered the lowest of the low in society. These weren't respected religious leaders or wealthy merchants; they were outcasts who couldn't even testify in court or worship in the temple. This wasn't an oversight or a backup plan. God intentionally chose to reveal the most important news in human history to those whom society had written off. Why? Because God doesn't measure worth the way we do. While the world sees social ladders and status symbols, God sees something far more important - hearts that are made in His image. Today, you might feel overlooked, undervalued, or insignificant in the eyes of others. Maybe you're not in the 'right' social circle, don't have the 'right' job, or feel like you don't measure up to society's standards. But here's the beautiful truth: God's love for you isn't based on your resume, your bank account, or your popularity. Just as He chose shepherds to be the first witnesses of Jesus, God chooses ordinary people like you and me to be part of His extraordinary story. Your value doesn't come from what others think of you - it comes from being loved by the Creator of the universe. When you feel forgotten by the world, remember that you are seen, known, and cherished by God.
Bible Verse
'My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?' - James 2:1-4
Reflection Question
How might your perspective on others change if you truly believed that God values people regardless of their social status or circumstances?
Quote
Maybe God doesn't care as much about your social status as the world does. God doesn't see people based on their social status. God is not concerned about if you are rich or poor, popular or not. What God sees is people who are made in the image of God.
Prayer
Father, help me to see people the way You see them - not through the lens of worldly status, but as precious souls made in Your image. Remove any prejudice or favoritism from my heart, and help me to value others as You do. Amen.
Day 2: Heart Status Over Social Status
Devotional
In a world obsessed with titles, achievements, and social media followers, it's easy to get caught up in measuring our worth by external markers. But God operates by a completely different system. He's not impressed by our LinkedIn profiles or concerned about our net worth. What captures His attention is something much deeper - the condition of our hearts. The shepherds that first Christmas night weren't chosen because they had impressive credentials. They were chosen because their hearts were open to receive the greatest gift ever given. God looks past our accomplishments and sees straight to our souls. He sees whether we're connected to Jesus or if we're still searching for that connection. This is both humbling and liberating. Humbling because it means our achievements don't earn us special favor with God. Liberating because it means our failures don't disqualify us from His love. Whether you're a CEO or unemployed, whether you're popular or feel invisible, God's primary concern is your relationship with Him. Today, take a moment to honestly assess your heart status. Are you connected to Jesus, or are you still trying to fill that God-shaped hole with other things? The beautiful news is that no matter where your heart is today, Jesus is ready to meet you there. He came for hearts that need healing, hope, and a fresh start.
Bible Verse
'On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."' - Mark 2:17
Reflection Question
If God is more concerned with your heart status than your social status, what does that reveal about what truly matters in life?
Quote
God is not so much concerned with your social status as he is with your heart status. Because no matter what your social status, your heart status is one of two things to God. It's either a heart connected to Jesus or a heart in need of Jesus.
Prayer
Jesus, I invite You to examine my heart today. Help me to be honest about my need for You, regardless of what my life looks like on the outside. Transform my heart and draw me closer to You. Amen.
Day 3: The Gift That Changes Everything
Devotional
Christmas is a season of gift-giving, and we often get caught up in finding the perfect present for our loved ones. We stress over budgets, stand in long lines, and wrap countless packages. But in all the hustle and bustle, we can miss the most significant gift ever given - one that doesn't come in a box or need wrapping paper. The shepherds received this ultimate gift that first Christmas night. They didn't get gold, frankincense, or myrrh. They got something infinitely more valuable - they got to meet Jesus. This wasn't just a nice religious experience or a feel-good moment. This was a life-altering encounter with the Son of God. What makes this gift so special? Unlike material presents that break, wear out, or lose their appeal, a relationship with Jesus transforms everything. It changes how we see ourselves, how we treat others, and how we face life's challenges. It gives us purpose, hope, and an eternal perspective that no earthly gift can provide. Maybe you've been searching for something to fill the emptiness in your life. Perhaps you've tried success, relationships, or material possessions, but nothing seems to satisfy. The shepherds discovered what you can discover too - that Jesus is the gift that truly satisfies. He's the present that keeps on giving, not just at Christmas, but every day of your life. This Christmas season, don't let the best gift get lost among all the others.
Bible Verse
'And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.' - Luke 2:8-9
Reflection Question
What would change in your life if you truly embraced Jesus as the greatest gift you could ever receive?
Quote
The best Christmas gift you can ever receive is a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the greatest gift ever given. Help me not to take this gift for granted, but to treasure my relationship with You above all else. Show me how to share this gift with others. Amen.
Day 4: Same Job, New Mission
Devotional
After their incredible encounter with Jesus, the shepherds faced a choice. They could have abandoned their fields, left their sheep, and tried to become full-time evangelists. Instead, they did something remarkable - they went back to work. Same fields, same sheep, same night shift. But everything was different because they were different. This is one of the most practical truths about following Jesus. He doesn't always change your circumstances, but He always changes your purpose. You might still have the same job, live in the same house, and deal with the same daily routines. But when Jesus enters your life, your mission transforms. The shepherds returned to their work glorifying and praising God. Their job was still tending sheep, but their mission became so much more. They were now ambassadors of the good news, living testimonies of God's love, and examples of transformed lives. Every interaction became an opportunity to reflect Jesus. Maybe you've been waiting for God to completely change your circumstances before you can serve Him. Perhaps you think you need a different job, a new location, or better resources to make a difference. The shepherds teach us otherwise. Your current situation - whatever it looks like - can become your mission field. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a cashier, or a student, Jesus can use you right where you are. Your mission isn't necessarily your profession; it's to show love, serve others, and share truth wherever God has placed you.
Bible Verse
'The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.' - Luke 2:20
Reflection Question
How might God want to use your current circumstances and relationships as part of your mission to share His love?
Quote
Jesus doesn't always change your job, but he does change your mission.
Prayer
Father, help me to see my daily life as a mission field. Show me how to glorify You in my work, relationships, and everyday interactions. Use me right where I am to make a difference for Your kingdom. Amen.
Day 5: Time With Jesus Changes Everything
Devotional
The shepherds' transformation didn't happen because they read about Jesus or heard someone else's testimony. It happened because they spent time with Him personally. They left their fields, went to Bethlehem, and encountered Jesus face to face. That personal time with the Savior changed everything about how they saw their lives. There's something powerful about spending intentional time with Jesus. It's not enough to know facts about Him or to have head knowledge of biblical truths. Real transformation happens when we engage with Jesus personally - through prayer, reading His Word, and simply being in His presence. When we consistently spend time with Jesus, something amazing happens. Our attitudes shift. Our perspectives change. The same circumstances that once frustrated us become opportunities to trust God. The same people who once annoyed us become souls we want to love. The same routine that once felt meaningless becomes a platform for glorifying God. The shepherds went back to the same smelly sheep and the same overnight shifts, but their hearts were completely different. They had spent time with Jesus, and it showed. Their joy was different. Their words were different. Their entire outlook on life was transformed. If you're feeling stuck, frustrated, or spiritually dry, maybe what you need isn't a change of circumstances but a change of heart that comes from spending time with Jesus. Make room in your schedule for Him. Read His Word not just for information but for transformation. Pray not just with requests but with a desire to know Him better.
Bible Verse
'And Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.' - Luke 2:19
Reflection Question
What changes have you noticed in your life when you've been consistent in spending time with Jesus, and what keeps you from making that time a priority?
Quote
When I am consistent in my time with Jesus, something amazing happens. There is a difference in my joy. There is a difference in my words and my thought.
Prayer
Jesus, I want to know You more, not just know about You. Help me to prioritize time with You each day. Transform my heart as I spend time in Your presence, and let that transformation overflow into every area of my life. Amen.