December 10
Now there were shepherds nearby living out in the field, keeping guard over their flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all people: Today your Savior is born in the City of David. He is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:8-11 (NET)
When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried off and located Mary and Jospeh, and found the baby lying in a manger.
Luke 2:15–16 (NET)
How do you respond when you hear news that is unexpected? Perhaps it depends on who issharing the news, and whether it is good or bad. The Bible tells us that the shepherds were terrified when the angel made a grand entrance out of nowhere to proclaim the good news.
Place yourself in that scene. Here we have ordinary people doing ordinary things at night. While they were together, some may have been feeling alone. Some may have seen their hopes and dreams fading into the darkness beyond their flock. Others may have been lamenting that their legacy was being a shepherd who worked 24/7 for very little pay and with few rewards.
Notice their lackluster expressions. Many of them must have been weary, apathetic, and uninspired. How blessed they were to have the Lord infuse their physical and mental darkness with the good news. For them it was a miracle that made them sit up, look up, and get up to seek the Lord.
During this busy holiday season, you may need to seek out the good news about Jesus like you never have before. The birth of Jesus is significant for deliverance from bondage so that people can be set free to experience the fullness of life. The shepherds were eager to seek out Jesus. They knew through faith that He would cause men and women to find joy, salvation, and peace. Jesus is the reason for this and every season.