Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people… Luke 2.8-10

There were certainly many pastors in that region, but they didn’t all receive the good news.

And why didn’t they receive it?

They were sleeping!

Nowadays, how many receive the title of pastor, but their churches are empty, cold and spiritually dead?

Why are there strong people filled with the Holy Spirit in some churches, and in others the people are weak and emotional?

Why are there people who are full of FAITH in some churches, but in others the people are weak and full of doubts?

The question is: where is the pastor of this church?

The pastors who received the good news were awake at dawn, taking care of their sheep!

The angel can only bring good news to the pastors that are awake and vigilant, taking care of their sheep, giving them their best.

The angel came upon them and the glory of God came upon all the people!

The pastors that were sleeping did not receive or see anything.

This is why I thank God every day for being a pastor of the Universal Church, because this is the spirit we receive.

We have you as an example, because you are about to turn 70 and you could be resting or enjoying a vacation with Mrs. Ester.

However, you are vigilantly tending to the sheep every day, working to win souls for the Kingdom of God with daily radio and TV programs, church meetings, mission trips to completely different time zones, pastors’ meetings, writing messages for your blog, writing books, etc.

Always sacrificing for the sheep.

This is why God blesses the Universal Church throughout the world.

And we, as pastors, have you as a reference, example and leader.

And those who do not have this spirit, or lose their focus, will sooner or later be removed from among us.

This is the life of a pastor of the Universal Church: we pray for the people; we fast; counsel; visit homes, hospitals, prisons; we do outreach programs on the radio, TV and Internet day and night, etc.

Therefore, when God sees that a pastor is awake and alert, He brings him and all his people His blessings and presence.

“behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people…” Luke 2.10