“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 Christ the Lord.” Luke 1:8-11
We hear this story often, and yet it still fills me with a sense of wonder as I imagine what it must have been like to be one of those shepherds. An actual angel of God appearing before lowly shepherds, probably living a fairly uneventful life out in the pastures until that moment. Can you imagine the beauty of that sight? The glory of the Lord was shining down, and this angel was bringing a message of hope to them. I would love to have heard their excited conversation as they travelled towards that manger in Bethlehem. How incredible it must have been to gaze upon Jesus himself, a tiny newborn child, the Savior of the world. As you think about the well-known story of Christ's birth this Christmas week, take a few moments to truly absorb the magnificence, the beauty, the joy and the peace of that night. Praise God for the greatest gift we could ever imagine…a gift for great kings and lowly shepherds alike.
Merry Christmas!