On this, the 3rd day of advent, we take a peek into God’s birth announcement. Luke 2:8-20 gives the full account.
With great exultation, He sent angels to share the good news of Jesus’ birth with shepherds who were out in the fields watching over their flocks.
Even though they had cold and lonely jobs and were considered to be low on the societal scale of popularity, the shepherds were the first ones to see and hear God’s announcement of the birth of His Son. To add icing to the birthday cake, God’s messengers, His angels, filled the sky with the brilliant joy-filled news and praise music!
The shepherds believed the news and rushed to see this Babe lying in a manger. Oh, to believe and seek the Messiah.
Let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
I cannot imagine giving birth in a barn or cave. Alone except for a husband and animals. But God was with Mary and Joseph. Glory to God for announcing the Good News to hearts that were ready to believe.
Love, Laughter, and Life 