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. 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 Saviour has been born
to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Luke 2:18-12
As we enter this month of December, we realise that the celebrations of Christ's birth are just
days away. As we celebrate Christmas, I'm reminded of these shepherds many years ago,
minding their own business as they watched over their flock until they suddenly had a life-
changing encounter that ultimately changed the world! The encounter was by no means a
magical experience, but one with divine impact that required their full attention and an active
response! First, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, saying that he brought the good news
of a Saviour that would cause great joy for all people but, more importantly, that they had a
place to go and a message to share! Luke 2:8 goes on to say, "When they [the shepherds] had
seen him [Jesus], they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child."
The shepherd's response was vital, as the angels would soon return to heaven, leaving them to
move into action. The shepherds quickly set off to see this baby that had been born wrapped
in cloths and lying in a manger. When they saw Jesus, they spread the word of what they had
seen and heard, and the Bible records that all were amazed at what these shepherds had to say!
The shepherds certainly had an amazing experience with the angels, but the message far
outweighed the moment! For them, it was not a time to reminisce about an experience with an
angel, but instead to run with the message of the Good News they had received! The writer of
Hebrews 1:4 says that Jesus became superior to all the angels as the Name He inherited is
superior to theirs. As the shepherds responded to the word of the angel, so now we must
respond by action to what Jesus has done in our lives. We must respond to the work of the
Holy Spirit in and through us without being affected by the fear of people!
Remember, the first thing the angel commanded the shepherds to do is not to be afraid! Jesus
repeated this command in his own ministry with his own disciples! Today, fear is the number
one factor for people holding back on sharing the Good News with those they meet. Who
knows whose life you can see impacted if you open your mouth and speak! James 2:17 says
that faith without works is dead – meaning that faith accompanied by works can only bring life!
This Christmas, like the shepherds, be encouraged to activate your faith by telling someone
about Jesus Christ, who truly has the power to transform lives. In a world full of bad and often
fake news, why not consider sharing the 'Good News' of the Gospel instead? When the
shepherds shared their news, the results tell us, 'All who heard it were amazed.' Luke 2:19 says
that when Jesus' mother heard it, she treasured the news and pondered it in her heart.
As you share the news, don't worry about immediate results, but know that your words will
certainly have an impact, birth transformation, and, like Mary, be treasured and pondered!
