Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A Baby Changes Everything - Part 3

Angels visit the shepherds

Luke 2:8-18

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.       
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor 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."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Today, when a mom gives birth, birth announcements are usually sent by text message, facebook status update, blog post, article in a newspaper, or by mailing newborn picture cards announcing the new addition to the family.  This modern technology is so cool and appreciated, but it does not compare at all to the birth announcement that our Savior had!
Shepherds were keeping watch over their flock at night when an angel of the Lord appeared before them.  The King James version tells us in verse 9 that the shepherds were 'sore' afraid when the angel appeared.  Merriam-Webster gives the following definition for sore:
                                                                   a.  causing pain or distress
                                                                   b.  painfully sensitive
These shepherds were painfully terrified!  Can you imagine yourself in a field tending to flock, minding your own business, and all of a sudden an angel appears before you with the glory of the Lord shining all around?  Yeah, I think WE would be scared to the point of pain as well! :)

The shepherds were terrified, but their fear quickly turned to joy as the angel shared the greatest birth announcement EVER; the birth of Christ the Lord!  The angel proceeded to tell the shepherds that the baby had been born in the town of David.  But how would the shepherds know which newborn baby would be Christ the Lord?  Well, the angel gave specific details in what the shepherds were to look for.  The angel described that the baby would be wrapped in cloths (VERY common for newborns) and lying in a manger (NOT common for newborns).  Now, that is the sign to remember!

Then the heavenly choir showed up!  A multitude of great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel and began praising God.  Can you picture this revival?  It's the middle of the night in a field with sheep, angels are present with an angelic glow as they sing praises to God, and shepherds have their hands lifted toward heaven in worship of our Savior's birth!  What a sight to imagine!!! 

The shepherds were so overwhelmed with joy and excitement that they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, lying in a manger!  The shepherd's mission was accomplished and they shared the great news with everyone! 

Today, I unwrap the gift of  our GREAT and GLORIOUS God humbling himself through the unlikely package of being born in a stable, lying in a manger!  He deserved so much better, but chose the lowly setting of a manger for our King so that His glory would be clearly displayed.

To be continued...

Unwrapping the gift of Jesus,
Tonya

7 comments:

  1. Another awesome blog and explanation! Thanks for being obedient to Christ and not being selfish and sharing as you learn and grow.

    Love you!

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  2. What a fearful and awesome night it was for the shepherds tending their sheep! It is good to meditate on Jesus birth-- the way he chose to enter human life. Thank-you for your post.

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  3. What a lovely Advent devotional - as I share with my grandkids, I am awed at the thought that our Holy God, King of the Universe, would choose to come to earth, put up with the indignity of dirty diapers and hunger pains, because of His overwhelming love for us. Thanks for another delightful reminder! Have a blessed week.

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  4. He deserved so much but chose so much less. That totally describes the Humble Servant Savior,

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  5. Hi Tonya - beautiful post. love how you are 'unwrapping' this. God bless and thank you for linking up again. I love seeing you there
    Tracy

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  6. Hi Tanya, I love how you unwrapped Jesus with us in the faith jam by unwrapping this moment with the shepherds! Thank you for adding your voice in the jam, friend. Blessings!

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