Luke 2:8-14
"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 Christthe Lord... 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.'"
The first ones who received the good news about Jesus from the angels were a group of shepherds out in the field. They were ordinary people, for no one knew their names. God didn't pick famous people to receive the good news, but He chose ordinary people like you and me. The significance of the birth of Lord Jesus is that He chose to know you and love you, and He likes to reveal to the ordinary you. Also, the shepherds were working in shifts, as they were the office workers of the first century. They follow the same working schedule day in and day out in order to make a living. But on that night, something unusual happened, because a great light shined on them and angels revealed the "good news of great joy" to them. The joyful news was for "all the people," which includes you and me; the great news of joy was not only for the shepherds, or the magi from the east, but it's also for you and me.
Also, the content of the news was to report the birth of a savior. We need a savior because we were living in sin. Look at the people around us who have no peace and joy; read the newspapers and all you see is news of darkness. The society is dark, and hearts of people are dark as well, so we really need a savior. What was the sign for the Savior to be born? A baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger - that was the sign. It was such a great contrast: How could a meager baby become the almighty Savior? That is the mystery of God! Jesus was willing to humble Himself to become a man for our sake, and to experience all the temptations and suffering that people need to go through since birth, all for us to be freed from the authority of sin.
Finally, the result of the great news of joy is that the angels told the shepherds: "Do not be afraid." We thank God because love that is complete can remove all fear. Are you enjoying this great news? Are you enjoying the joy that this great news should have brought you?
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