Luke 2: 8-14
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’”
Under stars that shone brightly in the cold night, on a hillside outside of the village of Bethlehem, the shepherds watched their flocks as they did every night, to protect the sheep from roving wolves and the threat of bandits. From all outward appearances, they were poor and rather insignificant, except to their bleating sheep, of course. But this night God came to earth and the tidings of His birth was gloriously proclaimed to these lowly men, not priests or Pharisees or scholars. In the well-known carol, “Angels We Have Heard on High” the shepherds are asked, “Why this jubilee?” The angel of God delivered the greatest reason for jubilation: to these lowly, impoverished men was given the good news—before anyone else—that Christ would bridge humankind’s separation from God because of sin and, through faith in Jesus, all could be forgiven and once again experience fellowship with the Father. Alleluia! What a privilege that we get to join this jubilee!
That Holy Star
“O Father may that Holy Star
Grow every year more bright,
And send its glorious beams afar
To fill the world with light.”
lyrics by William Cullen Bryant
Thank you, Father, that You made a way for us to have restored fellowship with You and that despair has been replaced with hope, fear with peace, hatred with love, and guilt with your pardon. Thank You for inviting us to join this jubilee! Thank you for Jesus. Amen.
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