This week, we step into another familiar scene from the Christmas story, and attempting to experience it anew, we’ll join the story as bystanders. Take your time walking through today’s narrative, allowing your senses to heighten your awareness.
The night sky is as clear as you’ve ever seen it. Bright stars dance as calm descends around you like a blanket. A cool breeze tickles your face as you take in your surroundings, surveying a vast field. Hundreds of sheep lie content after a day of wandering. You step closer to see their shepherds chatting softly, their eyes alert to potential threats in the night.
Study these men for a moment. Notice their threadbare garments and unkempt appearance. Their poor status pushed them literally and figuratively to the edges of society. How do you feel when you see them? Do they disgust you, these defiled, unclean men? Perhaps you pity them, grateful you are not one of them.
Suddenly, you’re surprised and captivated by the sight of an angel! A glorious light shining around him is almost blinding. You glance to the shocked faces of the frightened shepherds. Some have fallen to their knees, others shield their eyes from the magnificent light, yet all are riveted and focused on their visitor.
Pause a moment and consider what these shepherds might expect this angel to say, especially considering how they’ve been treated all their lives…as unworthy, defiled, unwelcome outcasts. How would they assume the Lord would interact with them?
And then you watch as the angel speaks:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will create great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord…”
Anytime God sent an angel to communicate on His behalf, we must strongly consider what the news entailed. Let’s examine this message…
“Do not be afraid.”
My loudest and most convincing fears always come at night. That’s when insecurities, regrets, and worst-case scenarios take over my mind. Perhaps the angel knew the same was true for the shepherds. He understood that life had conditioned them to fear and anticipate incoming malice. He saw them brace themselves for ridicule, rebuking, and stones. Before they could absorb and respond to this important announcement, fear needed to be calmed.
“I bring you good news that will create great joy for all the people.”
The “good news” is the Gospel- the story of the saving grace of Jesus! If it’s not “good” news, it’s not the Gospel.
Throughout His life, Jesus promised He came to give a fullness of joy (John 16:22, John 17:13). If it’s not “great joy”, it’s not the Gospel.
Perhaps the greatest surprise from the shepherds’ perspective was the word “all”. They lived their entire lives within a system of “either” and “or”, a system of “few” that kept most on the outside. And, the shepherds found themselves among the lowest in society. The word “all” abolished exclusivity! Imagine the sheer relief and freedom this offered these men! No wonder they “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20) after they met the baby Jesus. If it’s not for “all”, it’s not the Gospel.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord…”
In case the shepherds didn’t fully comprehend the significance of the word “all” in the previous statement, the angel emphasized its inclusivity with the words “to you”. Notice what wasn't said. The message didn’t imply that He was born to the high priests, the religious elite, or royalty. Our Father wanted them to know Jesus came for all, including them!
Before giving them their marching orders, the angel drove the announcement home with perfect clarity, leaving no room for doubt. “He is the Messiah, the Lord”, the One promised centuries ago has finally arrived!
You already know there is more to the story. But, as you can see, when we take small pieces at a time and immerse ourselves in the scene, there is so much to learn. I encourage you today to take time to ponder what these few verses mean to you.
How do they affect you in your current circumstances…in your pain points, your insecurities, your doubts and fears?
What does Jesus want you to know today?
What is He asking you to release and what are you to receive?
And, lastly, how are you to respond?
Smile, beautiful one. There is good news that will create great joy for you.
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