8 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.”
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:8-20)
Thoughts: The shepherds stood out among others. No other people around Bethlehem got the news that night. Wise men followed the star later, but God wanted someone to know right then- so He sent his angels to the uneducated, the humble, the cave-dwelling shepherds. Ironically, a whole town was full of King David's descendants- but they were not told. Only the lowly shepherd in the cold. God cares for all people the great and educated but gentile wise men from far away and the poor uneducated Jewish shepherd close at hand.
Ironically, the shepherds were keeping the sheep in Bethlehem- and you can see the hills of Bethlehem from Jerusalem (about 5 miles away). Jesus is considered the Lamb of God (John 1:29; Rev. 5:6). Now Israel is basically the same latitude as South Carolina and mid Georgia. The average temperature is
The shepherds heard the news and responded by seeking Him, and then worshiping Him. But then they also spread the word. This is an example for us all- to listen, to seek, to worship, and to spread the word.
Ironically, the shepherds were keeping the sheep in Bethlehem- and you can see the hills of Bethlehem from Jerusalem (about 5 miles away). Jesus is considered the Lamb of God (John 1:29; Rev. 5:6). Now Israel is basically the same latitude as South Carolina and mid Georgia. The average temperature is
The shepherds heard the news and responded by seeking Him, and then worshiping Him. But then they also spread the word. This is an example for us all- to listen, to seek, to worship, and to spread the word.
Prayer: Help me Lord to humble myself that I might hear, seek, worship, and witness.
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