“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.” 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.” Luke 2.8-15
If you haven’t noticed, angels play a pivotal role in the beginning of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, those containing the Christmas story. God sends an angel (Gabriel) first to Zechariah and Elizabeth, second to Mary and Joseph, and then appears to the Magi in a dream. ‘
But the “big” announcement comes in Luke 2.8-15 when an angel appears to the shepherds in the field and then “a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying — ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'”
It’s as if Gabriel’s having a nice conversation with the shepherds, trying not to get them to freak out in fright, and then every other angel whose been hiding in the shadows, who just can’t help themselves any longer, jumps out in song and praise. (Kind of like walking in to a surprise party!)
The scene went from one lone amazing angel surrounded by God’s glory telling the group of shepherds about the birth of the Messiah, to a whole stadium full of cheering, raucous and glorious beings!
I can’t imagine how freaked out I would be after this encounter. But the shepherds either very calmly or in a state of shock say, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” YOU THINK SO?
It’s a glorious story but also pretty humorous. Jesus, the Son of God, is being born, angels are coming out of the woodwork, and simple shepherds are the only and most prestigious audience to witness this event. (Note that Gabriel didn’t appear to the priests in the temple or the political astute but to the common shepherds.)
The announcement of the most significant event in human history comes with a flash and a bang upon a rocky Judean country side to the equivalent of 19th century cowboys. It’s an announcement of Good News which we are still repeating today.
Yet the announcement isn’t just heard and kept quite — it’s to be heard, believed and received by faith. It’s not enough to simply know about the coming of the Messiah but to believe by faith in his plan for our lives and to accept his sacrifice for our sins.
So my challenging question for you today is this — “Have you heard the announcement of the Christ? How has it changed your life?”
“O Lord God, it’s such good news to hear that the baby is born in Bethlehem. Prophecy is fulfilled, hope is restored, miracles await. Thank you for the power of your love and the grace of your works. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with your presence. Help us retell the story of the coming of the Christ and the transformation he can make to one life surrendered to God. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen