Christianity was born in one big heavenly interruption. Just ask the Bethlehem shepherds – they had no expectations of excitement. These are sheep they’re watching. We count sheep to go to sleep! Shepherds, however, treasured the predictable. This was the night shift. Any excitement was bad excitement—wolves, lions, poachers. Just because they wanted a calm night, didn’t mean they would get it. Luke says, “Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord shining around them, and they became very frightened.”

Change always brings fear before it brings faith. We always assume the worst before we look for the best. Good thing the shepherds lingered. Otherwise they might have missed the second verse: “Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ the Lord.” I hope you’ll do what the shepherds did. Linger near the manger.

Read more In the Manger

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.