The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:20 NIV
Glorifying
This past September the Canadian government banned rap trio Kneecap from entering the country over allegedly “glorifying terrorist organisations” – with the band announcing they will take legal action against the “wholly untrue and deeply malicious” accusations. The Belfast group are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their pro-Palestine stance. Canada’s parliamentary secretary for combating crime, Vince Gasparro, announced in a video on social media that Kneecap have been deemed “ineligible” to enter the country.
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When we truly meet Jesus and experience His grace and peace, our lives will be filled with praise and thanksgiving. It has always been so for those who have met Him. As we wrap up our examination this month on the coming of Jesus, we must follow the example of the shepherds as they returned to their homes after leaving the manger. Luke 2:20 says, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” As we meet the living Jesus, we are called to praise and give glory to the One who came into our world, and by faith into our lives. Too often, we Christians get caught up in the affairs of the world, focusing on how dysfunctional things are in our world today. Instead, we need to focus on God’s Word – just as the shepherds did when all they had been told came to pass. Then we need to be sure that we spend time praising and glorifying God for all He has done in us through the presence of the living Jesus. Let’s enter into 2026 glorifying and praising God for all He has done and all He will.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley