Luke 2:9-11 AMPC
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened. [10] But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. [11] For to you is born this day in the town of David a Saviour, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!
Perhaps we have a lot in common with those shepherds. Out in the cold, dark night of this global crisis, just trying to protect our livelihoods, that's about all we can manage!
Back then, the tyranny of Rome cast a shadow over people's lives - freedom and national sovereignty - just a distant memory.
It wasn't much fun being a shepherd, it was shift work, no one was making a fortune at it.
They were just about getting by.
Hope was at a premium for those guys, as it is for many today.
There seems to be a dark cloud of gloom hovering over us. We're waiting for the next wave of restrictions driven by yet another variant.
The world has gone mad!
Concentrating on one issue, we are creating a climate of division. Even political and spiritual leaders, who should know better, stir up conflict and call names on those whose viewpoint differs from their own.
We need a "suddenly" moment.
Luke2:13
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 favour 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.”
The same great joyous news applies today as it did then, perhaps even more so.
Jesus, the Messiah arrived on the scene in Bethlehem to bring "good news of great joy."
Then He was just a baby, with The Passion of the Cross lying ahead.
The message of the angels was something to jolt them out of their gloomy stupor - yes, the reality of salvation was both frightening and exciting.
But, in the midst of their fear, they were reassured by the angels.
Can we be shaken out of our own "stupor"? Can we revive the true message of the angels to us? Glad tidings anyone? Is anyone interested in "peace on earth"? We need a booster of Good News, to infuse our weary souls.
The shepherds said "let's go and see Jesus", so should we!
I say to my soul, look afresh at the Gospel, Good news for everyone who will come.
He is still the Saviour of the world. Let His love be the "vaccine" that infuses our hearts with love, peace and joy from the Holy Spirit.
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