*Luke 2:15

In the stillness of a Bethlehem night, something extraordinary unfolded—a ‘thing’ that would change the course of history. The shepherds, those first heralds of the divine, spoke of going to see “this thing that has taken place” (Luke 2:15). Their words, simple yet profound, echo through time, capturing a moment of divine mystery and human bewilderment.

Imagine the shepherds, these humble guardians of the flock, as they witnessed the heavens erupt with angelic proclamation. Their world, defined by the predictable patterns of sheep and fields, was suddenly invaded by the supernatural. The message was clear, yet its magnitude was overwhelming. They spoke of it as a ‘thing’ — not out of disrespect, but from a place of awe and confusion.

This ‘thing,’ however, was no ordinary event. It was the incarnation of the Divine, the Word made flesh. In the humility of a manger lay not just a ‘thing,’ but a Name — Jesus. The journey of the shepherds reflects our own spiritual journeys. We start with curiosity, often shrouded in confusion or skepticism, towards the divine mysteries. We hear of a ‘thing,’ something happening in the realm of faith, and it piques our interest.

But as the shepherds discovered, when we draw closer, when we dare to explore the depths of our faith, we find that the ‘thing’ has a Name. It’s Jesus — God with us, the Savior of the world. This Name brings clarity to our confusion, light to our darkness, and certainty to our doubts. The Name of Jesus transforms the ‘thing’ of faith into a personal encounter with the living God.

Let this devotional be an invitation to move beyond seeing our faith as a distant ‘thing’ or a vague spiritual concept. Let us, like the shepherds, journey to the heart of our belief, where we find Jesus waiting. In Him, our doubts are eased, our confusion is cleared, and our faith finds its true Name.

As we go about our lives, let’s hold onto this profound truth: every ‘thing’ in our faith journey has a Name, and that Name is Jesus. He is the essence of our beliefs, the center of our worship, and the source of our salvation. In every moment of doubt, every season of confusion, let us remember that the ‘thing’ has a Name, and that Name has the power to change everything.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, in the midst of our confusion and doubts, help us to see and know You more clearly. Transform our vague understandings into a deep, personal relationship with You. In Your holy Name, we pray. Amen.