Shepherds Learn of the Birth of Christ
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, 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.
LUKE 2:8-9
LOWLY SHEPHERDS
AN ANGEL'S ANNOUNCEMENT
The angel was not sent to the chief priests or to the elders, as I don't believe their hearts were prepared to hear or receive this good news. The glad tidings came to the shepherds, just young men and boys in the fields... they were not at home sleeping in their own beds, no... they were guarding the flocks in the fields, abiding and watching for any possible dangers that would destroy or kill the lambs and the sheep.
As they stood on guard to keep their flocks safe, an angel of the Lord came to them. The angel was most likely in the air above their heads and yes, God's glorious presence was surrounding and encompassing them.
SORE AFRAID
It is no wonder the shepherds were "fear stricken and bewildered," they were in the presence of the Lord God, it was all so much to take in... and in just one moment of time... the angel spoke these words, "Fear not!" I tend to think that there must have been a calming and a soothing inflection that came from the angel's voice and from the words they spoke... for the angel promptly continued with the news and with great joy of our Savior's birth.
This message was for them, "these ordinary shepherds," it was for the Jews and for anyone who would receive it. The angel had made a declaration of the Savior, that had been so long promised and expected, Christ was finally here... the Savior of the world "was born in the city of David!"
LUKE 2:8-9
LOWLY SHEPHERDS
AN ANGEL'S ANNOUNCEMENT
The angel was not sent to the chief priests or to the elders, as I don't believe their hearts were prepared to hear or receive this good news. The glad tidings came to the shepherds, just young men and boys in the fields... they were not at home sleeping in their own beds, no... they were guarding the flocks in the fields, abiding and watching for any possible dangers that would destroy or kill the lambs and the sheep.
As they stood on guard to keep their flocks safe, an angel of the Lord came to them. The angel was most likely in the air above their heads and yes, God's glorious presence was surrounding and encompassing them.
SORE AFRAID
It is no wonder the shepherds were "fear stricken and bewildered," they were in the presence of the Lord God, it was all so much to take in... and in just one moment of time... the angel spoke these words, "Fear not!" I tend to think that there must have been a calming and a soothing inflection that came from the angel's voice and from the words they spoke... for the angel promptly continued with the news and with great joy of our Savior's birth.
This message was for them, "these ordinary shepherds," it was for the Jews and for anyone who would receive it. The angel had made a declaration of the Savior, that had been so long promised and expected, Christ was finally here... the Savior of the world "was born in the city of David!"
AN ANGEL APPEARS TO POOR
LOWLY SHEPHERDS
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David,
a Savior which is, "Christ the Lord."
LUKE 2:10-11
The angel's proclamation was simple:
"The Savior is born. He is born this very day and it is a
matter of great joy to all people,"
and it was not to be kept as a secret, NO... it was to be proclaimed to all who would listen... and still today we are to proclaim it... and to tell it to all who will listen and hear.
Christ our Savior was sent to save and to bless those young shepherds in the fields, even though they were poor and very unlikely to be the first to know of this good news.
JESUS BORN FOR MAN
And, this Jesus was born for man, not for angels! For he took on our very human nature and our image, not the angels; his birth was truly a matter of great joy, the Savior that was long looked for... had finally arrived!
Yes! The announcement came to poor shepherd boys and men on the night Jesus was born... and this news still comes to you and me, for Jesus is no respecter of persons. I am here to
tell you, that Jesus came and died for all our sins. He then rose from the dead and ascended into heaven... where He is preparing a home for us who believe and one day, Jesus will
return to bring us home to live with Him in Heaven.
A QUESTION FOR YOU
There is just one question,
"Are you ready for that day? Are you as determined to find the Savior as the shepherds were that night?"
BELOW:
While Shepherds watched Their Flocks By Night
LOWLY SHEPHERDS
And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David,
a Savior which is, "Christ the Lord."
LUKE 2:10-11
The angel's proclamation was simple:
"The Savior is born. He is born this very day and it is a
matter of great joy to all people,"
and it was not to be kept as a secret, NO... it was to be proclaimed to all who would listen... and still today we are to proclaim it... and to tell it to all who will listen and hear.
Christ our Savior was sent to save and to bless those young shepherds in the fields, even though they were poor and very unlikely to be the first to know of this good news.
JESUS BORN FOR MAN
And, this Jesus was born for man, not for angels! For he took on our very human nature and our image, not the angels; his birth was truly a matter of great joy, the Savior that was long looked for... had finally arrived!
Yes! The announcement came to poor shepherd boys and men on the night Jesus was born... and this news still comes to you and me, for Jesus is no respecter of persons. I am here to
tell you, that Jesus came and died for all our sins. He then rose from the dead and ascended into heaven... where He is preparing a home for us who believe and one day, Jesus will
return to bring us home to live with Him in Heaven.
A QUESTION FOR YOU
There is just one question,
"Are you ready for that day? Are you as determined to find the Savior as the shepherds were that night?"
BELOW:
While Shepherds watched Their Flocks By Night
(A Little History About the Shepherds)
A Drive Through Bethlehem to See the Shepherds Fields
A Drive Through Bethlehem to See the Shepherds Fields
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