We notice the first people to receive the announcement of Jesus’ birth, a group of shepherds tending their flocks at night in the fields not too far from Bethlehem. This is the third time in the opening chapters of Luke that we encounter the angel of the Lord.
The Shepherds Visited Jesus According to Luke 2:8-20, on the night of Jesus’ birth there were humble shepherds watching their sheep in the fields nearby Bethlehem. A host of angels suddenly appeared to these shepherds and told them of the Messiah’s birth. The central portion of this passage is, of course, the angels’ message and song, the former of which proclaims the transcendent fact of the Incarnation, and the latter hymns its blessed results. But, subsidiary to these, the silent vision which preceded them and the visit to Bethlehem which followed are to be noted. No good business person leaves 99% of her or his inventory at risk to recover 1%. Thus the shepherds in Luke 2 should also be seen as foolishly leaving their post to follow this sign. The Nativity, the Incarnation, invites, nay empowers us, to do foolish things that result in wondrous outcomes!
“The Shepherds and Angels”
Let’s read Luke 2:8-20:
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior, yes, the Messiah, the Lord, has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others, the armies of heaven, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that I have peace with God, and as Your born-again child, that I have received Your grace, not only now but eternal life. I thank You and praise You that because I am positioned in Christ and clothed in His righteousness, I am identified with Him, have found favor in Your sight, and the peace of God in my heart. I know that without Jesus there is nothing I could have done to warrant peace with You, for I acknowledge that I am a sinner, deserving of death. I thank You and praise You for Your forgiving heart and Your willingness to give second chances with no strings attached and freedom in Christ. Glory and honor to God in the highest, that peace has been granted to men with whom You are pleased. I thank You and praise Your holy name that both peace with God and the peace of God, is available to all who place their faith in Jesus. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:11)
"Only Life Changes" 