The first announcement of the birth of Jesus was made to shepherds instead of the priests, the scholars, the Pharisees or any of the religious leaders. The angels did not appear to the kings, or nobility of that day. No special social status is needed to gain God’s acceptance. Instead, the angels of heaven, the “heavenly host” appeared to the shepherds in the field keeping watch over their flock in the night. God speaks to those who are close to Him and know Him. God speaks to those who are prepared in their hearts to listen. God will come into your heart this Christmas if you ask Him, invite Him into your heart. Your desire for Him to be in your life is all that’s needed. Open God’s Word to hear His voice. Attend a Church service. Let us be like these humble servants of God, the shepherds taking care of the sheep, who are leading their sheep with their voice. Just like in John 10:3 states, the sheep follow the Good Shepherd, the gatekeeper. “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus is our Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God, let us “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” Let us follow Him. May you feel God’s love and presence this Christmas and hear His voice!!
Luke 2:8-20 “8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”