Luke chapter 2 v 8-20:

:  Wednesday December 23rd.  Read Luke chapter 2 v 8-20:

Again, how familiar the story is – again, how amazing is what it tells us!  Shepherds, considered to be, in those days, among the dregs of society, looked on with suspicion and scorn, regarded almost as ” unclean “, are the first to be told of the Saviour’s birth in a tremendous revelation brought by angels from God. Remember how He would speak of Himself as ” the Good Shepherd”, in John 10 v11. They not only hear the angelic messenger, they experience God’s glory shining around them, and they listen to the praise of the angelic host! They are given the most wonderful news the world has ever received – a Saviour, born for them ( and for all who will trust Him ) who is indeed the promised Christ, the Messiah, the Lord! At once they go to see for themselves, and find it, of course, just as they have been told. Afterwards they are so excited they tell everyone they meet – are we as ready to speak of the Saviour ? – and are left ” glorifying and praising God.”

Someone I know once put it like this – ” What an amazing night those shepherds had. They SAW heavenly glory, they HEARD angelic praise, and they came FACE TO FACE with the Christ-child, Who is our Shepherd, Who laid down His life for His sheep. In their experience, we see God’s grace and Christ’s love for us too.”