Wednesday, December
11, 2019
The
Angel Gabriel appeared a third time to people. But this time, it was not to
Zechariah or Elizabeth, or Mary and Joseph- expectant parents-to-be. It was
nine months later when Gabriel returned to earth with a very important
announcement.
It was
a cold damp night in Bethlehem and shepherds were out tending their sheep.
Suddenly there was a bright heavenly light which frightened the shepherds. The
angel spoke to the shepherds by first trying to calm them down. Don’t be
afraid! How else were the shepherds to
respond? Seeing an angel in bright lights was not a common occurrence so when
they saw the angel, they were in shock and fearful of what was to occur. The
angel spoke to these shepherds and the moment had come.
“There
was Good News—for everyone: Today in the city of David there has been born for
you a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. You shall find a baby wrapped in cloths
and lying in a manger.” What had the shepherds heard that night? What did it
mean? What was the message that was so important that angels delivered it?
The
message was that God’s promise of a Saviour had been fulfilled with the birth
of a baby in a barn. This baby represented all that is good in the world- hope,
peace, joy and love. And through this baby born to lead His people, the
reconciliation between God and all people is given. This Prince of Peace in
swaddling clothes would bring peace, and shalom, but people needed to learn
about him and his purpose.
The
angels’ response after telling this important message to the shepherds was
powerful and filled with energy of thousands of voices: “Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” (Luke
2:13-14) But how did the shepherds respond? They became the first messengers of
Jesus’ story. They went to see for themselves what the angels told them.
As we
draw closer to Christmas, we will hear again the songs from the ages sung in
many different ways- but the message remains—Come faithful people, come and
worship Christ the Newborn King” How will you worship Jesus? Do you wish to
move your heart and open it further to receive the Christ? This is what the
angels sang about to the shepherds and they went in person and worshiped Jesus.
We are called to worship together. Are we willing to sing the angels’ song and
give glory to God in the highest for the sake of peace in our world?
PRAYER
Gracious and
giving God we praise you because you gave to us Jesus as an infant who was born
in a stable. Yet he is the One you promised would redeem us from sin and enable
us to be reconciled with you. Thank you for the song of the angels as they woke
the shepherds to go and see. Wake us and call us to see Jesus for who he is and
can be for us today. Amen.
Inspired by Bill
Crowder, “Windows on Christmas: Biblical Perspectives on the Birth of Jesus”
Our Daily Bred Ministries, 2019
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