Christmas
In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields … an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11 (CSB)
The birth of the Savior of the world was not something that could be kept quiet. In the middle of the night, on the quiet hillsides of Bethlehem, where shepherds peacefully kept watch over their flocks, heavenly angels announced the promised arrival of the Messiah—the Savior of the world.
“Terrified” might be an understatement to describe the shepherds as “…the glory of the Lord shone around them.” These shepherds were likely awe-stricken and trembling with fear at the sights and sounds that night. However, the first words of the angel were calm and reassuring: “Don’t be afraid.” The world had waited for thousands of years to hear this message. Many had given up hope and stopped believing that such good news would ever be proclaimed—but it was.
While we may not experience such a glorious proclamation in our earthly lives until Judgment Day, may we share in the enthusiasm. We can rejoice in the proclamation of our Heavenly Father, “Your sins are forgiven.” The shepherds’ immediate reaction was to check it out. Similarly, may our response to the forgiveness of our sins inspire us to proclaim this magnificent message to the entire world.
Come, Desire of nations, come, Fix in us Thy humble home;
Oh, to all Thyself impart, Formed in each believing heart!
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King!”
The Lutheran Hymnal 94:4