I had a friend recently who had a baby and she sent a beautiful birth announcement. It was a cute little card with a picture of her baby boy. She sent it to all her friends and family so that everyone could see the baby and also share in the wonder and joy of his birth.
The Lord also had a birth announcement...his paper was the midnight black sky. His pen a brilliant star and his announcement was heralded by angels and received by the lowliest of men...shepherds.
Read in Luke 2: 8-20
" In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. "
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. "
It is astonishing that God's announcement of the birth of His son would be made to the lowly shepherds. They were considered the outcasts by the orthodox. They were unable to participate in the temple washings and ceremonies. Their occupation demanded that they spent most of their time in the fields tending the sheep. By the Jewish standard, they were considered unclean. But it was very likely that these were special shepherds. Already established at this time, were the Temple sacrifices that took place every morning and evening. More than likely, these shepherds were in charge of supplying the unblemished lamb for that sacrifice. It is a wonderful thought that the shepherds who looked after the Temple lambs were the first to see "The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." They were outcasts by the world standards....the lowliest of low. Yet, God showed favor on them and chose them to be the first to see the Savior.
The word frightened here comes from the Greek word phobos which denotes dread. It is the same word used when the disciples saw Jesus walk on the water in the storm. (Matt 14:24-26)
It is a fear that that rises as the unholy sees the Holy. The carnal comes face to face with the Divine. And just as Jesus told the disciples " Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" Matt 14:27, so the angels tells the shepherds "do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy"
God sees us down to our core and He responds with mercy and grace.
The angels then tell the shepherds what they bring "it is good news of a great joy"
Joy here comes from the Greek word Charis, we get the word "charisma" which means "a gift of grace."...it is a kindness granted...a favor done without expectation of return. Charis stands in direct opposite of erga which is works. It is also interesting that in the Hebrew it is a word that paints a picture of a young sheep or lamb skipping or frisking with joy. How appropriate that the shepherds would understand this joy!
It is a joy that comes birthed from God Himself. Christ Himself...The Anointed One!
Everything about Christ's birth goes against our human reason. The King born in a animal feeding trough. His announcement sent to the lowliest, outcast shepherds. But isn't that what we have read about Him...His humility...His descent.
William Barclay shares the story of an European monarch who worried his court by often disappearing and walking incognito among his people. When he was asked not to do it for security's sake he said, "I can not rule my people unless I know how they live". It is our great joy to know we have a God who knows the life we live because He came into it. He claimed no special advantage over common, lowly men.
It is important to finally note that the shepherds "made known " what they had heard and seen. That should be our response also. What you have seen in your life...What you have heard in His word...we must go out and tell. In particular, this time of the year, ears are ready to hear. Hearts are being prepared...what holds you back?
Tomorrow we will look at the "wise men"
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I got some wonderful e-mail regarding the posts on Christ and yesterday's...
Ruth writes...
" Last weeks post on who Jesus is, were finely put together. To think that we have a king who came from Heaven, of all places, down to Earth to be a servant to us, and to die a most horrifying death for our sin. It touches my heart every time I think about it. I know what sins I use to carry and to then know that he paid it all already. Thank God for his grace!"
Kim wrote an encouraging e-mail with a wonderful quote...
"This morning a friend shared these verses with me which soothed my soul and I share them with you for whatever you are going through!
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New Living translation
"That is why we never give up. though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever!
Thanks for the e-mails!
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