Merry Christmas!
The Christmas story from Luke 2 may be a story that is new to some of us and to others it may be very familiar. We are going to look at the part of the story that is about the shepherds.
Luke 2:8-9 we read, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
Did you know that being a shepherd in Jesus’ day was one of the lowliest jobs one could have? They were in the fields all the time, they smelled like sheep and were treated like sheep. But isn’t it interesting that they are the first ones to hear the announcement that the Savior has come!
What was their first reaction to the first Christmas? FEAR!
Luke 2:10-11 go on to tells us, “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
What we see happen is that the shepherds absolute fear is turned to overwhelming JOY! But let’s not stop there. Let’s look at what the angel says, “I bring you good news (Gospel!) that will cause great joy for all people!” And today when the GOSPEL breaks into a person’s life it brings JOY! Because Jesus would go to the cross and rise from the grave, He brings JOY!
Gospel Joy centers around one person. In vs 11 we read that a Savior has been born; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This good news brings the news of a Savior.
The Old Testament is very clear about who the Savior is:
⁃ Isaiah 43:11 “I, even I, am the Lord and apart from me there is no savior.”
⁃ Hosea 13:4 “You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me.”
The Savior is none other than God Himself! Messiah, Savior, Lord!
God has come down to earth exactly as the Old Testament prophets predicted and what the New Testament declares. The One who created the universe took on human flesh. The Living Word of God dwelt among us.
He saved us by offering Himself as the sacrifice for our rebellion. He did it because we were helpless and bound to sin and destined to judgement. But HE is the Savior, the Lord, and He comes for ALL people. He wants all to be saved! That’s the good news! THAT’S THE GOSPEL MESSAGE! And thus, how great our joy!
1 Peter 1:8-9 says, “… you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
The Christmas story is about far more than peace on earth. The Christmas story is about the fact that God has stepped in and He offers to all of us, who repent and believe, forgiveness and life forever. THAT’S the Gospel story, that’s the story of Christmas, that’s the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ!
May each and everyone of us experience that Gospel Joy this Christmas and forever!
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