| Christ’s Birth Announced
By Joseph Prescia Throughout history we have seen God share great events with believers, those who were diligent in their commitment and love to God. The following event is no exception. The shepherd’s were watching their flocks this evening in a countryside, a region where years before David had fed his father’s sheep. It’s possible that they were watching flocks destined for sacrifice at the Temple and are about to be informed of the very last sacrificial lamb. As their encampment was guarding their flocks, an angel of the Lord interrupted their work and stood by them with the glory of the Lord shining about them. They were frightened having never been approached in such a manner. The angel said, “Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” “And all at once with the angel there was a great (army) of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favors.” Normally, a worldly army brings war, but here this army announces peace. After the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this event which the Lord has made known to us.” The enthusiasm was almost unbearable. They could hardly wait to personally see the promised Messiah. Thousands of years had passed in waiting and today was THE day. “I wonder what the savior will look like?” some of them asked. As they approached the room where the baby lay they were overcome with emotion when they saw the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes just as the angel said they would. Each of them thought within themselves, “How could so much love radiate from a baby and it’s parents?” As they hugged Joseph and Mary they all knew that night that the Lord God had truly favored them. His promise to the world and His promise to them were unfolded before their very eyes. These shepherds knew of the biblical prophecies concerning the Promised Seed but now they had new reasons for sharing this message. The Word of God was established in their hearts by personally seeing it come to pass. The Savior for all mankind was present with them. On the way home they knew that their families would rejoice with them on what they had been through that night. They were the first to spread the news: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Scriptures quoted from “The New Jerusalem Bible.”) Return to main page |