First Step

Parents usually anticipate or dread their baby's first step. To some it's exciting, to others it's terrifying. Have you ever wondered about the sheep left behind when the shepherds said, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing the Lord has made known to us." (Luke 2:15). Did the shepherds just forget about their flocks, leaving them behind in their haste? Because God loves us, He calls each one of us to Himself; first, of course, unto Salvation but daily to obedience. Oh, my, at the excuses we make: general busy-ness, fear, apathy, family - the list is endless. I don't presume to know if the shepherds herded their flocks with them to Bethlehem or not, but this I do know: "And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger." (Luke 2:16). Sheep or no sheep, the shepherds didn't remain in the field - they heard the call and went! We must consider if we [too] will set aside everything else; will we take that first step, make that initial move to go and see Christ Who loves us - Him Who is calling each of us to Himself: Jesus Messiah.