Luke 2:8-14
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Bathed in the light of the stars and the glory of the Lord, the angel proclaimed the splendor of the Gospel to this group of shepherds. And that, in itself, is part of the Gospel’s beauty. The Savior’s arrival was not announced to princes and priests, but to herdsmen tending their flock.
Salvation holds no beauty for those who have no need. But for those who recognize the poverty of their spirit, there is no more glorious news.
And the news was unimaginable: the Christ, the Messiah long foretold, had finally arrived. And this child was not just a Savior, not just the Messiah; he was the Lord God himself. Serenaded by a heavenly choir, it was only fitting that shepherds were the first to receive the magnificent news of the Chief Shepherd’s arrival.
"Fear not then," said the Angel,
"Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
