This is a talk that I gave in church on Christmas weekend.
Good morning brothers and sisters,
My name is Ashlyn Haws. This is my husband Nathan and we have an adorable little son, Leo. He is 5 months old. We moved here in April and could not be happier here. We are also primary teachers and love teaching the kids.
Since I am talking about meeting new people, what do we usually talk about? What do you think people should know? Usually, we get to know each other and ask the general questions such as how many siblings do you have or are you working, schooling, retired? What comes to my mind is my cute son or the newest movie that has come out or what the newest song is or many other hobbies, plans, and activities that I have done that week or month. But when it comes down to it, what is truly important? What do you want people to know?
Recently, I have been watching a series called The Chosen. The Chosen, a TV series about the Savior, showed a Christmas movie about the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. In a post on Facebook talking about this episode they said,
"One of our motivations for making the Christmas pilot episode was the incredible notion that the shepherds, the lowest of the low in society, were chosen to essentially become the first prophets in over 400 years of silence about the Messiah.
We pray that this Christmas special reminds us of the example the shepherds set for those of us who believe Christ was the Messiah, and that as a result 'people must know.'"
I love the part they pointed out that the shepherds were considered the lowest of the low. Sometimes I feel like the lowest of the low but God still uses us as His tool. He doesn't care who is the richest, poorest, or perfect. He wants us as His shepherds.
We are the shepherds. We get to share the message. I want to continue talking about the shepherds and their experience. Let’s turn to the scriptures.
Luke 2
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
First, the shepherds didn't wait. They went with haste. In the dictionary haste means: excessive speed or urgency of movement or action. When was the last time I did something with haste. I couldn't think of something so important to me and I went straight away. I want to learn from the shepherd's example.
Second, when they have seen Jesus Christ, they made it known abroad. I just love how simple this is. They saw and told people. It is that easy. When we witness something, tell someone. That person could even be yourself. Sometimes I need to be reminded about Jesus Christ and His gospel.
Third, the people who heard the shepherds wondered about their words. What does it mean to wonder. Wonder: a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable. This is about the Savior's birth. Something beautiful and unexpected happened. They were surprised yet had admiration. How do you leave someone wondering? Baring a simple testimony. Remember, the shepherds were the lowest of the low. They were probably dirty and poor hygiene yet people still listened.
Fourth, they glorified and praised God. I often take for granted the goodness of God. We as the shepherds need to remember and glorify our Lord. After everything that they learned, they returned. They came back to God giving praise.
Just like the shepherds, I want to share my message.
I want people to know the goodness of Jesus. I want them to know there is hope. I want them to know that God gives you second chances and chance after chance. He knew that we were going to be weak and helpless but God still gave us the chance to repent to become the people who He wants us to be. His daughters and sons. His children. Heavenly Father loves us dearly. That statement is so common that I forget how real and important it is. It is hard to believe and easy to forget. But that is what is so beautiful about the gospel and second chances.
I am going to be better about letting people know who Jesus Christ is. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Almighty King. He has come to the earth and gave us His life so that we can become better. I know that He truly loves you. His teachings are eternal truths. I have come to know this so I want to share this message to everyone I meet.
What message will you bring this new year?
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
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