Scripture leading to Christmas, Day 6

For this week we will discuss 7 different Bible verses to read leading up to Christmas Day.

Today we continue with verse #6 on the list.

Let’s really think about these verses during this time and remember that Jesus is really who we are celebrating during this season.

Luke 2:8-10 - That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.

Can you imagine this scenario playing out?

The shepherds are quietly watching over their sheep. It’s probably dark and they most likely have a fire going and perhaps they’re even getting sleepy. The night is still and calm … and BAM! suddenly an angel appears in a blaze of light saying, “Do not be afraid.”

I’m sure my initial reaction would’ve been fear. I may have either screamed or been frozen…hard to say but I know that heart racing fear would have been prevalent.

But regardless what was to come was a night of celebration and joy because the world had just received the greatest Christmas gift!

The Messiah was born.

If you had good news, whom would you tell first?

When something wonderful happens to me, the first people I want to tell are those closest to me. When God had the best news of the ages, whom did He tell first? Important religious people?  Wealthy folk?  No. Why? Because they wouldn't have most likely be arrogant and felt the deserved to be told. Instead God chose to tell shepherds.

Why shepherds?

The shepherds had the capacity to be humbled and amazed that God chose them to hear the news. Imagine how unworthy they must have felt, but how honored. The shepherds were amazed God chose them and they couldn’t keep it to themselves.

They didn’t over-think the situation and talk themselves out of telling the news. They were exuberant, overflowing with joy and probably still reflected a bit of the glory of being with Jesus.

God chose the exact people who knew to entrust the greatest news of eternity.  Those humble men took the Good News of Jesus and did just what God wanted them to do – told others, and their lives were never the same.

Luke 2: 17-20 - After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

I think I would be like the Shepherds here and tell everyone not only because I was excited but also because I still needed to wrap my mind around what all had taken place.