SHEPHERDS VISIT JESUS
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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you' he is Christ 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,
and on earth peace to men 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."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 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 2:8-20 Life Application Study Bible (NIV)
LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY
What a birth announcement! The shepherds were terrified, but their fear turned to joy as the angels announced the Messiah's birth. First the shepherds ran to see the baby; then they spread the word. Jesus is your Messiah, your Savior. Do you look forward to meeting him in prayer and in his Word each day? Have you discovered a Lord so wonderful that you can't help sharing your joy with your friends?
The greatest event in history had just happened! The Messiah had been born! For ages the Jews had waited for this, and when it finally occurred, the announcement came to humble shepherds. The good news about Jesus is that he comes to all, including the plain and the ordinary to accept him. Whoever you are, what ever you do, you can have Jesus in your life. Don't think you need extraordinary qualifications--he accepts you as you are.
Some of the Jews were waiting for a savior to deliver them from Roman rule' others hoped the Christ (Messiah) would deliver them from physical ailments. But Jesus, while healing their illnesses and establishing a spiritual kingdom, delivered them from sin. His work is more far-reaching than anyone could imagine. Christ paid the price for sin and opened the way to peace with God. He offers us more than temporary political or physical changes--he offers us new hearts that will last for eternity.
MY THOUGHTS
Joseph and Mary must have known that the Messiah was to come from Bethlehem. However, they did not take it upon themselves to just go to Bethlehem when Mary had the visit from the angel announcing that she would have Jesus. They allowed God to work His plan. How many times have I decided God needed help. This is just another reminder to wait upon the Lord.
And how would you imagine the God of the universe would announce the birth of His only begotten son? Talk about a heavenly fanfare! I wonder how many people all around the world was told? The Bible covers the birth locally, but I just wonder about the international announcement. We know about some of the "wise men" receiving the news. But that is a story for another time.
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