As we look at the Christmas story the time has come for Mary to give birth! In Luke 2:6-7 we read, “So it was, while they were there (in Bethlehem for the census) the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Today we look at the story of an angel who appears to the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flock outside Bethlehem. The Bible says in Luke 2:9-11 the angel “stood before them” and gave them news of a Savior, the Messiah, being born in Bethlehem. Then in verse 12 we read, “And this will be a sign to you. You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
Based on the context of the story it is very reasonable to believe these were Levitical shepherds who cared for lambs who were to be sacrificed in the temple in Jerusalem. They were responsible for ensuring the lambs were spotless and without blemish. They would bathe them, dry them, and then swaddle them in old priestly garments. These shepherds knew the prophetic imagery the angel was giving them!
Then God adds a great exclamation point by sending a multitude of angels to join the one who had brought good news! They were “praising God and saying, ‘glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”
When the angels departed, the shepherds went into Bethlehem with haste and “found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.”
If you are a born again follower of Jesus, you have a moment where you encountered Jesus, or better yet, He encountered you. Just like the shepherds, we are called to “make widely known” what we have seen and heard concerning Jesus! As it says in 2 Cor. 4:13, “We also believe and therefore speak.” Do you believe? If so, take time to tell someone about Jesus! He is worthy.
