Part 3 of 3 on the messages from the angels bringing news of Jesus’ birth.
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.”
Luke 2:8-12 New International Version
After Gabriel announced the births of John and Jesus (Luke 1), the time came for Mary to give birth, and because a census was being taken of the entire Roman world, Joseph took her to Bethlehem, the City of David, because he was of the line of David. The city was crowded with visitors who were there to register for the census, so the only place they could find to stay was a manger, a stall for keeping the animals, because no guest rooms were available. After a long journey and giving birth in the animal stalls, Mary must have thought back to the angel Gabriel’s words and her response, that she was surrendered to God’s will.
Bethlehem is a few hours by foot from Jerusalem with fields and hills surrounding it. In the fields, shepherds were tending their sheep at night when an unnamed angel appeared, shining brightly and causing great fear among them. The angel told them to not be afraid but that he was bringing good news: a Savior has been born in the City of David and he is the Messiah, the Lord!
At this announcement, a “great company of the heavenly host” appeared praising God.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
Luke 2:14 New International Version
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels left them, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem, where they found Mary, Joseph and the baby, wrapped in cloths and lying in the manger as the angel had told them. They spread the word about what they were told about the newborn King, then returned to the fields, praising God for what they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.
In a year that was filled with bad news, we look to the good news of the birth of our Savior during this Christmas season. God promised to bless His people and to send a Messiah, and all of His promises are fulfilled in Jesus. All glory, honor and praise to God!
Today take time to think about and write down how God has fulfilled His promises in your life. Spend time in prayer praising God for His Son. Take time also with family and friends to remember Jesus and offer up praise in song, prayer and worship of the King of Kings.
Merry Christmas!