December 17, 2024

Luke 2:8-20  (HCSB)
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! 15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.

Sherri Stem
As the shepherds are keeping watch over the flock an angel appears to them. l feel sure this would scare me, as it did them. The angel reassured them to not be afraid. When they were no longer afraid a host of angels appeared praising. In this society shepherds were probably some of the most needy, despised people. This is not exactly who we think would first know of the birth of the Prince of Peace. The angels told them how they would find Jesus in a manager wrapped in swaddling clothes to keep Him warm. When the angel left, they had a choice to go look for the baby or ignore what they had just witnessed. They went and found Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus just as they had been told. They then went and told the news to everyone they knew - no social media needed. Jesus' birth, along with His life and ministry, always amazed those who heard and met Him. Should this not make us realize if God can use shepherds to tell of the birth of our Savior how can He use each of us? ARE you letting God use you to share the best news ever?