The Sounds of the Seasons, Part 5
The angelic host broke the stillness of that night with the good tidings pronounced to the shepherds in the field. This portion of the nativity story brings home with great depth some precious truths about the character of God and His plan for man, as this revelation speaks of His love and grace towards those lowly and humble.
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke 2:8, ESV).
Shepherds were the low of the low; they lived on the margins, and though their job was indispensable, it was also scorned. They were the last ones from whom such a heavenly vision might be expected. This passage features an inclusive nature of God—the love and message of salvation for everybody, regardless of one’s social standing in society.
The shepherds were faithful in their duties for they continued watching over their flocks even by night. That was the manifestation of diligence and responsibility. Through the course of our own lives, sometimes we could feel that we are of little importance, or that nobody appreciates us, but this story says that God sees and appreciates each and everyone. Very often, it is His plans that come into fulfillment for those whom the world considers less significant.
“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.” (Luke 2:9, ESV).
Such an overwhelming sight of the angel and the glory of the Lord could scare the shepherds. Their natural fear is seen immediately; it must be the right kind of response to the appearance of a spiritual being. But what turns this awesomeness into a wonderful event is the message the angel brought.
Encounters with the divine often evoke fear because they unveil our smallness in contrast to the greatness of God, yet God’s messengers bring comfort and assurance. “Fear not,” the first words of the angel, are a great reminder that the presence of God is peaceful and not frightening. One can find comfort in knowing that even in the unknown or divine, God means it for our good.
“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” (Luke 2:10-11, ESV).
The message to the shepherds brought great joy and hope with the news of Jesus’ birth. His coming was not just an event, but the fulfillment of a promise that had been made concerning salvation to all peoples. The titles Savior, Christ, and Lord talk of mission and authority.
To have the birth of Jesus proclaimed as “good news of great joy” is announced throughout the Christmas story. That which it basically seems to be saying is that the gospel is good—good as in containing hope for salvation and reconciliation with God. We must have such joy fill our hearts and our very lives as we celebrate this season, and in celebration, share it with those around us.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'” (Luke 2:13-14, ESV).
Heavenly hosts could then be added as an appearance, such that the message of the angel was divine, therefore important since it was the birth of Jesus. In their song of praise to God and announcement of peace, they wrap the message of Christmas.
It is thus delineated further that, in light of the reported event of Jesus’ birth, the glory of the heavenly host had more appropriate articulation: worship and adoration. Their declaration about peace reveals the ultimate purpose of Jesus coming, to bring peace between God and humanity. This message of peace is a comfort and, at the same time, really challenging in a world so torn apart by chaos and conflict. We are called to be peacemakers, reflecting God’s peace in our relationships and communities.
“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:15-16, ESV).
The shepherds’ immediate response was one of action and faith. They did not hesitate but hurried to see the fulfillment of the angel’s message. Their encounter with the newborn Savior left a lasting impact on them.
The eagerness of the shepherds to go on the spot was a model of faith in action. They didn’t just listen to the message; they acted on it. This calls us to faith that is proactive, actually moving into places that will lead us to come and worship Jesus, and also challenge others through sharing this wonderful news. The way of the shepherds on their way to Bethlehem reflects the way of faith for each believer in transiting from hearing to seeing and experiencing God’s promises.
“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” (Luke 2:17-18, ESV).
The shepherds could not hold this news to themselves. They spread abroad what was said to them and what had happened, hence spreading the joy and amazement of the birth of Jesus with many people.
What the testimony of the shepherds does is it brings out the significance of evangelism. When we stumble upon the salvation that is in Jesus, it naturally propels us to start sharing it with others. Their story encourages us to be bold in our witness, allowing the wonder of Christ’s birth to shine through our words and actions.
Sounds of the shepherds’ meeting with the angels and the newborn Savior: amazement, joy, proclamation. It’s an amazing storyline of the grace of God and how His salvation plan includes all of us. Hear these sounds of the season—see the inspiration found in these faithful, ordinary shepherds who were willing to seek out Jesus and ready to tell His good news. Let us take on the word of peace and joy that it may transfigure our lives and that of those around us.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.