THE SHEPHERDS
Luke 2:10-11
“I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Darkness is expelled as light fills the sky.
The sudden appearance of an angel above brings terror to their very souls. Crouching down, exposed to the heavens they hear the words, “fear not!”
Too late for that as dread overwhelms them.
The angel’s message continues. One by one they begin to raise their eyes towards the sky,
“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Curiosity filled their minds as now the atmosphere is flooded with a myriad of heavenly host, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Their faces turned from anguish to awe as they took in the glorious scene.
Just as suddenly as they had appeared, they vanished and left the bewildered shepherds in utter blackness.
Adjusting their eyes to the darkness surrounding them again, they began to speak. “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Doubt did not plague their hearts as they recalled what they had been told to them by angels in light.
Believing, they made their way down to the small village where they witness the scene, just as the angels had told them.
A young girl, who appeared tired and worn from giving birth, sat on the ground with her head propped on feeding trough peering in to keep a close eye on the newborn who nestled into the warmth of the straw surrounding his tiny frame.
Joseph heard the sound of the intruders and woke from his slumber to stand near to his bride.
In a hushed tone, the men told of the angel’s message accompanied by a magnificent sight bringing news of the infant king.
They paused in their tale and knelt silently before the babe. Their hearts filled with wonder and worship.
Standing to their feet they quietly left the stable but their silence could not be contained as they wandered the streets of Bethlehem telling everyone they saw about their encounter. Not just with the angel… but they had seen the promised Messiah.
Their worship did not diminish as they returned to their flock on the hillside. For when you encounter the Savior even your every daily work is met with praise.
The heavens seemed to have taken a respite from the battle for Christmas as Jesus has entered the world.
Yes, the reason for Christmas had come but the enemy was still scheming. His plan would soon unfold as an earthly dragon would emerge to devour the infant king.
