Come, And Meet The King

The shepherds didn’t bring gold to the manger. They didn’t bring frankincense or myrrh or costly treasures.

They didn’t bring a gift at all.

They knelt before the Savior of the world with empty hands. Their skin still creased with dirt from the nearby fields. Their worn cloaks still smelling of the flock they so dutifully tended.

With nothing to offer but their adoration, they came to the stable.

And there, they met the King.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12 NIV

In this season of Advent, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, draw near the manger. Emmanuel, God with us.

Broken and bruised by the weight of this year, come. With nothing to offer but ourselves, come.

Born to die, Jesus came for those with stained hearts and worn feet. He invites us to kneel before that babe in a manger. To surrender our burdens and sins. To worship the One who is fully God, fully man. To turn and follow the voice of the true Shepherd.

So come, just like the shepherds did that glorious, starry night two thousand years ago.

Come, empty-handed but with hearts full of expectation.

Come and meet the King.

**Post originally appeared on the @mrsmannegren Instagram**