In the bible’s narration of Christ being born, Luke 2:1-21, the first people that were told about the birth of Christ were the shepherds. Verses 8-10 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. 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. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
I believe God shared this news with the shepherds because they related to a particular part of God’s heart. The shepherds were constantly with their sheep feeding, guiding, protecting, and caring for the their needs, just as God (Jehovah Raah) does for us. God knew they would receive the revelation of Christ’s birth and understand the One True Shepherd was coming to earth in human form.
Verse 15-16 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
Their heart’s must have been filled with joy and excitement as the revelation of God’s love and mercy flooded them. They could not contain the news.
Verse 17-18 And when they saw it, they made known what had been told them concerning this Child, 18 And all who heard it were astounded and marveled at what the shepherds told them.
Verse 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.
In John 10:11 Jesus declares, “I am the good Shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Jesus gave His life so we could be reconciled with God.
I pray your hearts are filled with joy, excitement, and praise as we celebrate the birth of Christ.
