“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12 NIV)
Here is a wonderful picture of a pastoral setting. Multiple shepherds and multiple flocks gathered together, perhaps for mutual benefit. We may conclude that the angel appeared to them before they had retired for the night, since Luke writes: “an angel of the Lord appeared to them” (emphasis is mine). Note that God’s glory “shone around them” and “they were terrified” by this glorious event.
Remember, however, that God comes to us in our humble state. So, the heavenly messenger spoke calm assurance to these “lowest of the lowly” in Jewish society. Nothing to be afraid of, “I bring you good news.” And it will produce “great joy for all people.”
In King David’s hometown of Bethlehem, “Christ the Lord” was being born even as the Angel of the Lord delivered the good news to the shepherds. Knowing the shepherds would want to worship the Christ, God’s messenger gave them undeniable clues for identifying him. He couldn’t be found in the palace of Herod, lying in a gold-trimmed bassinet. He couldn’t be found in a warm home, cuddled in a homemade cradle. He couldn’t be found at the Traveler’s Sleep Station, on a mat by his mother. He could only be found in a stable, wrapped in stable cloths and “lying in a manger.” No other newborn in Bethlehem would be found in such an humble state . . . only Christ the Lord.
It is interesting how many people look in all the wrong places to find Christ the Lord. Of course, many are not even looking for him. Yet, Scripture prophesies that a day is coming when the One who was found by the shepherds “lying in a manger” will be seen by every eye; and every knee will bow before him; and every tongue will acknowledge that He is Lord.
Christmas . . . a time to reflect on the good news of great joy. Christmas . . . a time to reflect on the Savior that was born in Bethlehem. Christmas . . . a time to reflect on Christ as the Lord.
Dear Father, thank you for our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Grant that we may share his good news with all people. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in Christ the Lord,