SUNDAY December 26, 2021
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
While shepherds faithfully watched over their sheep, all of a sudden an angel stood before them, and the glory of the Lord illuminated the dark night. Imagine them as they beheld the sight––immovable, speechless and in fear––in awe at the heavenly sight. Maybe they covered their eyes to shield themselves from the brightness. Then 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).
God chose these humble shepherds to hear about the birth of Christ. The angel’s good tidings explained simply to them the purpose for Christ’s coming. Christ the Lord was to be a Savior for all people––everyone in the whole world. The angel’s words could be confirmed. The shepherds were to journey to the City of David––Bethlehem––where they would find the Babe, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
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). Every man, woman and child can rejoice in the same tidings the shepherds received that night. We are all lost sinners heading toward eternal damnation, but God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)... (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Are you rejoicing this Christmas? No matter life’s difficulties, nothing can take away the joy of your salvation.
The simple shepherds heard the voice of an angel and found their Lamb....
~Fulton John Sheen~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
