The Christmas QuestSample

Day 7 – The Shepherds’ Quest
Luke 2:8-20

Questing is a staple in so many of the games I love. Whether it’s a role-playing game on my computer or an evening of Dungeons & Dragons with friends, I can’t resist a good quest. Usually, the best quests are given by someone more powerful—or at least more informed—than you. A wealthy patron asks you to retrieve a lost heirloom. A king needs you to slay a dangerous monster. A divine being commands you to stop an evil cult.

Once you’ve been given the quest, every good one requires you to go somewhere new. You can’t complete it while sitting on your hands. You need to delve into the dungeon, sneak onto the spaceship, or battle your way into the fortress. And at the end of every quest comes a great reward. If the reward wasn't there, you wouldn’t take the quest in the first place. So, with the quest in hand, you set out in search of adventure and treasure!

The nativity story has a quest as well. It has a powerful divine quest-giver, a journey to a new place, and a priceless treasure at the end. The shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem are greeted by a heavenly host. At first, they are terrified. But then one angel comforts them and presents them with the quest: Go to Bethlehem. Look for a newborn baby. This child will be the Messiah, the Savior of Israel.

Powerful quest-giver? Check. A journey to a new place? Check. A great reward? At first, maybe.

But little did the shepherds know that as they went to Bethlehem in search of a baby, they would find the greatest treasure humanity has ever known—or ever will know. Jesus was not just a king. He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings. He didn’t come to free the shepherds from Roman rule; He came to free them from humanity’s greatest oppressors: sin and death.

During the Christmas season, it’s easy to glaze over the nativity story. We set up our manger scenes with our other decorations, but the true treasure of Christmas is often buried beneath the gifts, parties, traditions, shopping, and busyness of the season. Yet every year you are invited on a quest like the one offered to the shepherds by the angels. We are invited to pursue Jesus in our everyday lives—to seek Him out and live as He lived. The Holy Spirit prompts us to move from where we are spiritually to where God is leading us.

At the end of that journey is the greatest treasure of all: intimacy with God and partnership with Him in His Kingdom. Don’t miss out on the treasure this Christmas. The festivities are wonderful—but don’t let them overshadow the true reward.

Family Devo – Go and Celebrate!

It’s fun to celebrate when you hear good news! Maybe your favorite sports team wins a game and you join the crowd in cheering as loud as you can. Maybe you wake up to find out you get to eat your favorite meal for breakfast and jump from excitement! Maybe your friend gets a fun new toy and you give him a high five and a smile! When we hear good news, we do something! We celebrate!

The shepherds heard the best news from some incredible messengers: angels. At first they were afraid, but when they heard the good news of Jesus’ birth, they got to work! First, they made a plan and traveled to Bethlehem to see the baby. Then, they told everyone about the angels’ message. Lastly, they praised God as they returned to their sheep. When the shepherds heard the good news, they didn’t freeze in fear and then go back to normal. They celebrated, shared the news with others, and praised God! When you hear the good news of Jesus’ birth this Christmas, remember to celebrate, share the story with others, and praise God!

Family Question 💬
What is your favorite way to celebrate?

Apply it 🎯
Choose a way to respond to the Good News. Plan a birthday party to celebrate Jesus, make cookies for neighbors and share Jesus with them as well, or take a special time to praise God for sending his Son to Earth! Be creative and have fun!