Luke 2:8-20 (NIV)

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. 11Today 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.

Reflect:

For the shepherds who were watching over the sheep on the margins of town, known as marginal in all ways, God came to them with good news of great joy. How should we understand this news of great joy? This ‘great joy’ was something very special, something very unique. There was no joy like this ever before because there was never an event like Christ coming to earth. This event was more than a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it was a once-in-all-of-history moment for the shepherds and for humanity. After their encounter with the Messiah the shepherds were unable to contain their joy. Their joy would turn to praise and adoration of God as they reflected on all that they had experienced.

Respond:

Like it was for the shepherds, there is not an event in our lives that brings greater joy than encountering God. In this Christmas season, as we reflect on this once-in-all-of-history moment, as those who have encountered and experienced God, may the joy in our hearts overflow! This joy is not for the Christmas season alone. We can experience real joy as we encounter God again and again. As people who have experienced his favor, let’s respond today by living lives of praise and adoration to God. As those who have experienced the hope and joy of God, may we be like the shepherds and not hold back.