Unexpected Joy
Luke 2:8-12
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Who could blame the shepherds for being afraid? They were ordinary men, not highly educated, not used to angel visits. Their work tended to keep them away from worship, and they knew people looked down on them. Why would God pick them for the first witnesses to Jesus’ birth?
But He did. And it makes sense to us—humble witnesses for a humble Savior, shepherds for the Good Shepherd who would grow up to lay down His life for all God’s sheep.
So the angels came. And the shepherds were afraid, like sensible men. But the angels calmed them down, and told them: “Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born a Savior…” All the people. Unto YOU.
So they went, and they saw God’s sign—a baby, wrapped in ordinary baby clothes and lying in a manger. Who could be afraid of that? And they rejoiced.
We, too, can go and look by faith at Jesus, lying in the manger there for us—our Shepherd. A Son given to us; a Savior born to us. Jesus our Lord.
We Pray:
Thank You, Father! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What is one of the best pieces of news you have had in your life?
* Why?
* Who would you guess were the second witnesses to Jesus’ birth?
Written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today’s Bible in a Year Reading:
Nehemiah 4-6; Revelation 17