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.” – Luke 2:8-12
Have you ever wondered why shepherds? Why did God choose this group of shepherds to be the first visitors to the Messiah? I wonder if they had the same response – Why me? Out of everyone you could have given this opportunity, why did you choose me? I am not the smartest or the funniest or the most attractive, and definitely not the most talented. Why choose me to be a part of this big plan? I am not perfect. I have definitely made my share of bad decisions and spoken words I immediately regretted, yet you love me and have a plan for my life.
Terrified
Do you know what it is to be scared to death of God’s plan? It is in those moments, like this one the shepherds experienced, that we do not fully understand what is happening. Yet God calls us to trust Him. “Don’t be afraid!” Trust me, even when it means not understanding.
“I bring you good news…”
This is a good thing. There is no need to be scared, no need to worry. This new thing, this change in your life, is a good thing. You may not see it now but trust me – “Don’t be afraid!”
“And you will recognize him…”
I’m not going to hide from you. Seek me with all your heart and you will find me. Look around, there is evidence of my hands all around you. If you take the time to watch and listen, you will recognize me and you will hear from me.
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in highest heavens,
And peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:13-14
Lord, we praise You. You are Almighty and You are wonderful! To You be ALL the glory!!! From the humblest of hearts to the highest heaven, may Your glory be seen and recognized. Thank you, King Jesus, for the peace you allow us to experience each day. May You look down on us today and be pleased with our worship! Amen.
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. – Luke 2:16
They hurried…
They did not hesitate, they did not pause. They did not go around asking for advice. They had heard from God and they hurried to do what He had told them to do. Because of this response, they did not miss out on what God had for them. And oh what a wonderful experience God had for them, what a good thing!
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. – Luke 2:17-20