You just heard the most amazing news but made a promise not to share it. The time isn’t right and it isn’t your news to share, so you hold it close to the vest even though you feel like you could burst. This phenomenon goes against our natural human inclination to share good news with those around us—we just can’t help it!

The shepherds had news to share that was like none other. The long-awaited Messiah, Christ the Lord, had been born in Bethlehem. A multitude of angels announcing the birth had just illuminated the night sky above their sheep in the Judean countryside. The shepherds could hardly contain the news. They journeyed to the manger, found everything just as the angel had said, and spread the word on their way back to their fields that night. They couldn’t help it!

Although the shepherds were not commanded to keep the good news of Jesus to themselves, Peter and John were. After healing a crippled man, they were brought in front of the Sanhedrin and ordered not to speak about Jesus’ death and resurrection anymore. Their response is recorded in Acts 4:20: “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” In spite of the directive to keep silent, they refused to do so. This message had eternal implications for all who would hear it, so no demand of the Sanhedrin or persecution would stop them from sharing it. They couldn’t help it.

We have this same gospel message to share. We too know this Jesus—born, crucified, and resurrected for us. And astonishingly, he gives this incredible news of grace to flawed, sinful people and uses us to proclaim it. But what about us? Do we find ourselves overflowing with excitement and unable to keep this news to ourselves, or does fear prevent us from sharing? Do we share Jesus unapologetically, or does concern for what others may think get in the way?

This Advent season, we can pray for a heart like the shepherds that is bursting with joy about the news of Jesus. As the joy of Jesus bubbles up in our hearts, we can search for opportunities to let his light shine in our lives and relationships with others. Whatever holds us back from sharing this eternity-changing news, we can pray that those obstacles would be replaced with boldness.

Consider the outcome of the shepherds’ witness testimony of the Savior’s birth that first Christmas night. Luke tells us that all who heard it were amazed. First, as we consider our Savior’s birth, we too revisit a place of marvel and awe at the depths of God’s grace for sinners. Then, as we share that awe, may the Holy Spirit work through our testimony to bring others to faith. The story of God’s grace is too wonderful not to share—we just can’t help it!