He Drew Near: A Christmas Journey of Hope and PresenceSample

Shepherds and Angels
The angel’s announcement didn’t come to kings or scholars — it came to shepherds. Men working the night shift in a field. People most others would overlook. But heaven opened right above them.
That says something about God. He’s not impressed by titles. He draws near to the humble, the unseen, the everyday people who faithfully go about their work. And the shepherds didn’t just receive the news; they ran to see the newborn King. Then they went and told everyone. The first evangelists were shepherds.
Later, Jesus would call himself the Good Shepherd. He knows his sheep. He lays down his life for them. And the first sheep he called into his flock were people the rest of the world would have ignored.
Their story reminds us that no one is too small for God’s attention — and that when we encounter Jesus, joy should overflow.
Reflection Questions:
Who might God be nudging you to include or reach out to this season?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for revealing your good news to everyday people like the shepherds — and like us. Help us share your joy freely and include others in the celebration of your love. Amen.
Scripture
About this Plan

Christmas is the story of a God who comes close. In this 12-day devotional, we reflect on how Jesus stepped into our world with humility, hope and love — not as a distant king but as one who draws near to the lowly and the waiting. Each day offers Scripture, reflection and prayer to help us slow down and see how the birth of Christ speaks to our everyday lives. His coming isn’t just something to celebrate. It’s something to experience. May this journey lead you to wonder, worship and a deeper awareness of his nearness this season.
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We would like to thank Compassion International for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.compassion.com/
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