“Don’t Wait! Be Like the Shepherds,” For the Strength of Youth, Dec. 2022. Come, Follow Me Luke 2:8–20 Don’t Wait! Be Like the Shepherds By Eric B. Murdock; illustrations by Darren Rawlings Imageshepherds On a silent night long ago, shepherds diligently watched their flocks. Imagesheep The shepherds had an important job. The sheep needed food, water, and protection from danger. Imageangel Suddenly, an angel appeared! “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. … For unto you is born this day … a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Imageangel The angel told the shepherds they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger in Bethlehem. Imageangelic choir An angelic choir filled the sky and joined the angel in praising God. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Imageshepherds “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has made known to us.” Imageshepherds following star The shepherds didn’t wait. This was too important! They “came with haste” to Bethlehem. Imageshepherds at manger The shepherds found Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, just as the angel said. Imagebaby Jesus This was the promised Messiah who came to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world and to bring us true joy! Imageshepherds The shepherds were so excited! They shared what they had heard and seen. “The Savior of the world is born!” “The Messiah has finally come!” Imageyoung man studying scriptures The shepherds “came with haste” to Jesus. You can too! You can learn of Him. Imageyoung man mowing lawn You can serve Him by serving others. Imageyoung woman sharing Book of Mormon with young man You can testify of Him.