But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Saviour was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11
I wonder how many presents are being wrapped up across the world before December the 25th? I’m going to guess billions, and most of them will be wrapped up beautifully, one way or another. Some will be in nice bags, some with wrapping paper, some with ribbons and some with bows. But as glorious as each present may look, they need a sign on them, a name written, to indicate who they are for, or else the world would be filled with mountains of unclaimed gifts…
After the obscurity of Jesus’ birth, that we saw yesterday, we then take a step just outside Bethlehem, to another obscure group of people. Shepherds were pretty low class in the society of their time, and would spend their days living among animals.
This humble flock got a glorious surprise.
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified.
Luke 2:9
Fear seems to be the average response when folks meet angels in the Bible. We obviously don’t know exactly what they would look like, but I would think they would be more muscular, imposing warriors than chubby, gentle babies.
God’s glory shone and his messenger shared the purpose for this visit:
”Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Saviour was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11
The Messiah, God’s anointed King, was born to be the Saviour his people needed. These outcast shepherds needed more than a couple of steps up the social ladder, they needed saved from their sin. This baby was born to provide that.
Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favours!”
Luke 2:13-14
As if one messenger of the Lord wasn’t enough, there was a sky full of them, praising God on this historic day.
What a glorious sight!
These shepherds were bowled over by the sight, but they were won over with the message. They didn’t waste any time, but took to their heels and hurried to find this newborn.
“This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:12
The spectacular show that the angels put on was nothing but wrapping paper around the ultimate present. It was a sight worth seeing, sure, but the real sign was this tiny baby, wrapped up snugly, and lying in a trough. Of course, they found the baby as promised, and then returned to their flocks praising God, and sharing this good news with all who would listen.
Still today, it can be easy to want or expect the big show from God, to prove he’s worth trusting. Countless people have asked for signs, by which they mean a big, glaringly obvious display of some kind, maybe just like the shepherds saw. Maybe an angel from God would help to convince people that God is there and worth of trust, but the sign that is given is small, like a wee name tag on a glorious present.
The baby is the sign. Often overlooked, but full of grace and power.
Like the shepherds, we share good news, not of angels, but of a Saviour. Jesus was born and lived in true humility. He came to serve and not be served. He didn’t come with impressive looks or armies. He came to die. He came to save.
One day, he will return, and every knee that has ever lived will bow before the glorious sight of his mighty arrival. He will come in power to reign as king and make all things new.
Until then, we have his word. Often overlooked, but full of grace and power.
Today, come and see the true glory of God in the Saviour Jesus. He came to save sinners, for all eternity, from all sin.
Jesus is the great gift of salvation. Often overlooked, but full of grace and power.
Rejoice!
Written by Pete Bell
A thought to remember: Emmanuel, the Saviour, is the greatest gift.
A bit more to read: Luke 2:8-20
A question to ask: How could you enjoy the gift of Jesus, the Saviour, today?
A song to sing: Hark the Herald Angels Sing