Have you ever found yourself wide awake in the middle of the night? When that happens, I usually see lights and hear sounds that my body otherwise ignores when I am sleeping. The shepherds outside Bethlehem were out in the middle of the night keeping watch over their sheep when an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them. These shepherds, who likely had encountered predators or thieves in nights past, were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause 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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)
As if one angel messenger from God wasn’t enough to get their attention, suddenly 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.” In other words, a company of between 100 and 250 angelic army members appeared. They deflected attention away from their magnificent appearance and onto God whom they praised. They announced a peace of mind and soul made possible by a faith in God’s son, Jesus Christ, on whom God’s favor rested..
How did the shepherds respond to this heavenly message? They decided to hurry to Bethlehem to see the baby for themselves. Once they found Jesus, they spread the word concerning him and people were amazed at their story. They were obedient witnesses to the Lord’s birth announcement. “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 2:20)
How have you responded to the good news of Jesus? Have you investigated the evidence of his claims for yourself? Have you told others about the gospel message? Have you praised God for sending his Son for you? Let these humble shepherds be an example for you this Christmas as you ponder the good news of Christ coming into our world. They overcame their fears and relative obscurity and became the first witnesses to the birth of our Savior!
