THE SHEPHERD’S STORY!

^“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”    Luke 2:8-15

Suddenly, the field lights up, and we see heaven pregnant with a myriad of angels bursting forth with a crescendo of rejoicing! At the same time, Mary’s waters give way, and the Savior is born! Here we read one of the greatest announcements ever declared!

This good news will cause great joy for all the people. Bringing peace on earth, goodwill to all men. Who has never experienced stress, anxiety, panic, or baffling challenges? Peace on earth means we have a restored relationship with God! Peace enters every aspect of our lives through a relationship with Jesus, who is the ultimate source of peace. He alone makes all things healthy and whole within us. That is true peace.

A great and epic announcement is made to a group of humble shepherds, who are often overlooked, as they watch over their sheep. Imagine what it must have been like for the shepherds to realize they were the first to receive this good news. And their response? “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.” They took steps of faith and went to see God face to face. The day that the age-old prophets longed and prayed about has finally arrived!

This midnight encounter transformed their lives. They probably wondered why God chose to make such an earth-shaking announcement to simple shepherds. It would seem the religious leaders of the day would have been a better choice. But God once again bypassed the powerful and elite and had a rendezvous with forgotten shepherds. This will be one of many divine appointments that heaven will have with humanity, emphasizing that the Messiah, Jesus, is for all people, tribes, and languages across the earth. Jesus would later state that He came to save the outcasts and sinners, people on the peripheries of society.  He would eliminate all barriers, allowing everyone to approach God with confidence.

What a story! That ordinary night when the Lamb of God, the Messiah, the Savior, the Prince of Peace, had come carrying such peace. Emmanuel had not overlooked them. He had not forgotten them, nor dismissed them as so many had done over the years. He was with them! Through Him, forgiveness would come!

I envision that years later, as this same Jesus was proclaimed in towns and cities, the hearts of those shepherds were ignited with fervor. The spark of passion ignited that Christmas long ago would eventually grow into a flame, fulfilling their purpose as they walked in relationship with Christ.

What insights can we gain from this remarkable evening? In moments when the world may overlook us, God reassures us with whispers of love and acceptance, inviting us into a deep, personal relationship with Him, much like the herdsmen who drew near to witness His love firsthand. Approach God like the shepherds did, drawing near to Him to experience His love intimately and personally. This invitation encourages a heartfelt connection with God, allowing you to feel His presence and affection directly.

We declare that this Christmas, Jesus sees something in you and is here to bring a peace that reaches into every broken place within you—spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and physically.  May you experience a deep security and peace that is spoken of in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you: my peace I give to you."

photo by https://brojames.blogspot.com