SATURDAY December 26, 2020
While Shepherds Watched
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
Luke 2:8-9
On a dark night, shepherds faithfully watched over their sheep. All of a sudden an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord illuminated the darkness about them. They were greatly afraid at the heavenly sight. Imagine, they must have been speechless and covered their eyes to shield themselves from the brightness of the glory. The angel spoke to them:
. . . “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).
These humble shepherds heard the good tidings of Jesus’ birth that night. The angel of the Lord told them the reason for Christ’s coming. The Messiah was to be the Savior––for all people in the world. The evidence could be found for themselves. They could find the Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger in the city of David.
Then instantly the night sky was filled with a multitude of heavenly host––angels praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14). It is important to understand God’s heart of love and compassion towards mankind. He desires for everyone to rejoice in this good news! God loves everyone–– not one person is excluded from the opportunity to find peace and salvation through Christ Jesus.
The Savior is found in a manager at Bethlehem, in a carpenter’s shop at Nazareth; amongst the poor and needy is he seen while he sojourns amongst the sons of men.
~Charles Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!