“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they 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.”
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.” 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 2:7-15 NIV
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How absolutely beautiful that God chose to announce His arrival to shepherds… low-class members of society who weren’t even allowed in the Temple. They weren’t allowed to worship with the community, but God came to THEM in their isolation and darkness on the outskirts of town. He offered peace to them regardless of how society saw them… regardless of they viewed themselves. His favor rested upon them. Truly, we, too, can embrace His favor… choosing to see His glory rather than downing in our regrets.
This is one passage where only the KJV that I memorized as very small child will satisfy. I love it! May I be willing to accept as Mary did God’s will for my life and cherish all He offers me each day.
This reminds me of Charlie Brown Christmas. Linus finally gets up and recites this. Makes me cry every time.
I want to be like Mary and the shepherds and accept God’s will for my life no matter what. I want to be willing to do what He asks.
Praise God for willingly giving His son to us. I love Christmas music!
This is absolutely beautiful! And it’s too bad we don’t all remember that THIS is what Christmas is all about!
Christian Perona I never thought about the shepherds being “low class members of society” and not being allowed to worship in the temple or even worship with the community before,” and for the first time I wondered “WHY did God send angels to tell the shepherds where Jesus was born”? The shepherds were isolated and alone in the dark and God appeared! Thank you for this comment, because it for the first time I really understand that God can meet anyone anywhere, (but thinking of a dear daughter of mine at this time), in her isolation and loneliness. Thank you for posting this passage of Scripture.