Luke 2:8-20 (NASB)
8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around 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 great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”
15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
Not only was Jesus born into the worst of conditions, but His glorious birth was not announced to kings in palaces but to dirty, smelly shepherds out in the fields watching over their sheep. No one would expect to see angels appear in the heavens, praising God and announcing the birth of the Savior of the World. But these shepherds immediately believed and went to see the newborn king. They didn’t question; they didn’t hesitate. They simply opened their hearts and followed the angels. May we open our hearts as easily and follow that newborn baby to the cross and the tomb and onward to eternal life.
Thank You, Lord, for sending Jesus to save us from our sins. Open our hearts, Lord, to follow Jesus, even to the cross. Then we will follow Him to the open tomb and eternal life with You in Heaven. We thank You and praise You and sing with the angels, “Glory to God in the Highest.” In the name of Jesus. Amen.
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