Let’s look at 10 truths about Christ’s birth and the shepherds who came to see him in Bethlehem.
Luke 2:8-18:
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field [manuring it], keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people [Jesus is the savior for ALL people].
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ [Messiah] the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes [royal birth ceremony], lying in a manger [a good clue as where to look].
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying [doesn’t say they were singing],
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste [as quickly as they could], and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child [that the Messiah had come].
And all they that heard it wondered [joyful amazement] at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
This is SO FULL of great truths that we can apply in our daily lives.
1) The shepherds were where they were supposed to be. Working their job, which in the fall was bringing their flocks in the field to fertilize it.
2) God’s mighty power as seen in His angel caused great “fear.” This wasn’t something they saw everyday. But they WERE OPEN to hearing what God had to say.
3) After dismissing their fear, the angel got right to the point. He had good tidings [where we get the English word “evangelize”] of GREAT JOY FOR ALL PEOPLE. Anyone and everyone who believes on Jesus can be filled with the Father’s joy! That’s a promise.
4) Children of Abraham had been waiting for the Messiah for centuries. God had promised Adam and Eve that he would send the “seed of the woman” to redeem mankind. These shepherds learned that the great moment had come–God was fulfilling His great promise of all time. And Jesus was born in David’s city, as the prophet had foretold.
5) Bethlehem had a few places to “look for” this newborn Messiah. But the angel gave them two key pieces for their “GPS” [God’s Promised Savior]. First, this child would be wrapped as a young prince that is swaddled. AND he will be in a manger. I’m not sure how many inns there were in Bethlehem. But the manger was a good clue on where to look. The shepherds believed God and found the baby and his parents.
6) Once this angel made the announcement, a whole “army” of angels joined him to praise God. This is the whole point of praise–thanking the Father for giving us His Son! And this praise will last for eternity. The angels SPOKE words of praise to God for His high glory, for the peace the Messiah would bring to earth, and for God’s good will of salvation coming to mankind.
7) AS SOON AS the angels left, the shepherds were obedient. What a great lesson for us. Because they “made haste” [moved on God’s promise], they came in time to see this swaddling ceremony which lasted only a few minutes.
8) Once they saw for themselves what the angels declared, they went out and told everyone who would listen. What about US TODAY? We have the great news that not only did the Messiah come, but he fulfilled ALL of God’s will and was raised to the Father’s right hand. Jesus is now LORD OF ALL. We have some “glad tidings,” by God’s grace, to declare to all who will listen to us.
9) All who heard their story were filled with joyful amazement. That is still true today. We can bring GREAT JOY by teaching others about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
10) This great news was told to them by the shepherds. That’s what it takes still today. WE must know the truth, then love others enough to speak it. Ephesians 4:15 says, “But SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” That’s how we all grow up spiritually.
May we too “make haste” to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all who hunger to know God through His only-begotten Son!
Romans 10:15:
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
