“That night. in a field near Bethlehem, there were shepherds watching over their flocks. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, ‘Don’t be afraid. For I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. You will recognize him by this miracle sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough!’ Then all at once, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: ‘Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.’ Luke 2:8-14 TPT
Probably one of the most unlikely groups of people were the shepherds, yet they were chosen to be blessed to hear the angels sing, spreading the joy of our Savior’s birth. After their initial shock of witnessing such a miraculous sight. the reason for their appearance brought about the joy of the birth of the promised Messiah. We too are blessed, since we also have the privilege of continuing to spread this same joy, as we sing his praises, celebrating his birth each year.
In this passage, Luke’s desire is for us to realize that no matter what our status in life, to our Father, the announcement of the birth of His Son was important to all. Can you imagine such a birth announcement? First the magnificent blinding light appeared out of the darkness, followed by the appearance of the choir of angels as in song, they so graciously announced the birth of our Savior. As the angelic choir continued to sing, their initial fear turned into the joy that the birth of Jesus continues to bring to us today. Regardless of who we are, or what we do, the joy of the birth of Jesus can be ours, all for the asking !
Heavenly Father, help us to remember the origin of this joy that has been made available to us through the birth of our Savior, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret