"And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Luke 2:8 At this time of the year the Shepherds would watch together their different flocks. They would take turns watching the sheep, some watching the fires and so with many together it made the work easier during the cold nights.
This particular night as they were gathered together around the fire something out of the ordinary happened. It was so spectacular that all that were there that night stopped their watch and turned their attention on the skies above. "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were filled with fear." Luke 2:9 We can only imagine! We can only read this story with wonder and amazement!
"And the angel said to them; "Be not afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people; For to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11 We can only imagine! We imagine, their wonderment!
"And this will be a sign for you; you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:12 "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying; Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!" Luke 2:13-14
I find it interesting that the angel said this good news was for all the people. However, His peace was only for those He is pleased with. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 The gift of His Son was intended for all the people! His Godly peace is given to those who accept His Son and are obedient to His word.
"Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." Luke 2:15b The Shepherds were not in Bethlehem, but in the fields near by. They had to go and look for the place where the child lay. I have often wondered if the star was visible to the Hepherds. How did they know where to find the babe that would be wrapped in swaddling cloths. Did they draw lots to see who would go and see this thing that they were told and who would stay behind keeping watch.
"And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger." Luke 2:16 The Shepherds began to speak of the things they had just seen and heard from the angels and those who heard this, began to marvel at what was being said. "But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." Luke 2:19
As the Shepherds returned to their flocks, they were glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard. Everything was as the angel said! And to think it was them, the Shepherds out in the fields, that heard it all first. It was so personal! It was life changing! It was amazing!
Who first told you about Jesus? When did you first meet the child wrapped in swaddling cloths? Did you go with haste to find the Savior? What was your response? In John 3:16 where it is written "that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish" gives me to understand that even if we believe we can still perish if we are not pleasing to Him. Wow! I was a child of 10 when I was buried in the waters of baptism, since then, my walk has intensified; I pray I am pleasing to Him.
Much speculation has been made as to why God announced His Son's birth to the Shepherds. Some have decided it was because they were lowly and poor. I believe God's announcement in a panoramic vision that had surround sound, was because He wanted it to be the most spectacular event ever saw. The most climactic event of grandeur, along with His Heavenly Host singing; "Glory to God in the highest." It would never be forgotten! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/18/09
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