By Rev. Ann Mann
annmann@comcast.net
Ready or not, here we are. The clock didn’t ask for our opinion, and slamming on the brakes won’t help. 2025 is here, and it’s time to face the new year head-on. But what should we do now that we’ve crossed this threshold?
Rather than lament the unstoppable march of time, perhaps it’s an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters. Let’s focus on our priorities.
The shepherds in the Christmas story from Luke 2:16-18 offer a powerful example on priorities. Their primary responsibility was clear: to care for their sheep. It was their livelihood, their duty, and their rhythm of life. Yet, on the night of Jesus’ birth, their world changed when angels appeared, proclaiming the most extraordinary news, the Messiah had been born in Bethlehem.
Scripture tells us their response: “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:16-18, NIV)
The shepherds didn’t linger. They didn’t weigh the pros and cons of leaving their flocks. They didn’t form a committee. Instead, they acted immediately. Their urgency shows us something profound: when they heard the good news, they made the most important thing, the most important thing.
I can’t help but wonder about their sheep. Did they leave them unattended? Were they anxious about what might happen while they were gone? The Bible doesn’t tell us. What it does tell us is that their hearts and minds were captivated by the good news of the gospel. The presence of the Messiah outweighed everything else in that moment.
This raises a challenge for us: how often do we let the demands of life take precedence over the most important thing, our relationship with Jesus? Like the shepherds, we all have responsibilities. But do we also have the urgency to “hurry off” to meet Jesus daily in prayer, worship, and Scripture?
The shepherds didn’t stop at encountering Christ. They “spread the word” about what they had seen and heard, and their testimony amazed everyone. Their lives were transformed by their encounter with the Savior, and they couldn’t keep the joy to themselves.
So, as we step into 2025, what can the shepherds teach us about life in the new year?
We can examine our priorities. Let’s think about the “sheep” in our lives, the things that often compete with our time spent in God’s presence. What distractions can we set aside to focus on what truly matters?
We can hurry to meet Jesus. Make it a daily habit to “hurry off” to meet Jesus in prayer, Scripture, and reflection. Let nothing hinder our pursuit of Him.
And we can spread the word. When we encounter Christ, it’s only natural to share His joy with others. Through words, actions, or a lifestyle of love, let our lives proclaim the goodness of God.
The shepherds remind us that encountering Jesus is worth leaving everything else behind. They teach us to make the most important thing, the most important thing. The most important thing is our relationship with Jesus.
So, as we reflect on the shepherd’s story and prepare to set our priorities for the new year, let us ask ourselves: Are we hurrying to Jesus? Are we letting our lives proclaim the wonder of His coming?
May we, like the shepherds, examine our priorities, experience the joy of meeting Christ, and share His good news with the world.
As we welcome 2025, let’s make it a year of urgency, joy, and testimony.
Ann Mann is an Emmy Award winning journalist, now serving as pastor to Barnesville First United Methodist Church. Her new book, Finding Hope in the Storm, is on Amazon.com.