1. An
Unexpected Surprise (v. 8). They were minding their own business, (or their
own sheep) just another day in their lives, another night in their shepherding.
Probably the most exciting thing that happened was a visit from a marauding
wolf, which is why they kept watch. Suddenly an angel appeared, and a bright
light, the glory of the Lord, filled the sky. The creation story in Genesis
begins in a similar way, with God speaking in the darkness. Throughout history,
God brings light into human darkness. The prophets looked forward to the day
when the people walking in darkness would see a great light. But for these
shepherds it was an unexpected surprise. God still breaks into human history in
unexpected ways to bring light into our darkness. He comes to those not
expecting or even seeking Him. He comes to those going about the ordinary
business (and busyness) of living. Shepherds were not highly esteemed in those
days. The very nature of their work precluded regular observance at temple and
synagogue. Their honesty was not rated highly (they weren’t allowed to stand as
witnesses in court). God still surprises people like that today (1 Cor.
1:27–29). Some of you can look back to last Christmas and you are surprised to
find yourselves here today. Who would have dreamt that God would meet you and
bring you into His family? Others here are perhaps still in the dark, going
about your business with little thought of angels and glory and God. He longs
to break into your life. This Christmas could be a great surprise for you as
you understand for the first time what it all means.
2. An
Unusual Sign (v. 12). Bethlehem may have been a “little town,” but finding
the right baby wasn’t easy, so the shepherds were given an identifying sign—not
just a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, for most babies would be in that
state. The identifying sign would be a baby lying in a manger. This baby was in
an animal feeding-trough, His first bed. The New Testament word “sign” means
not just an identifying mark, but something that has in itself significance. So
what is the “significance” of the manger? It indicates the depths to which the
Son was willing to stoop in love (2 Cor. 8:9). It marks the beginning of the
life of one who was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. It marked the
kind of lifestyle He would adopt in His earthly ministry (Luke 9:58). He was
born a Savior in a manger, and He died a Savior on a cross. The manger also
meant the shepherds could visit Him freely. Spurgeon says: “We might tremble to
approach a throne, but we cannot fear to approach a manger.”
3. An
Unbelievable Story (vv. 17–18). These shepherds were the first Christian
missionaries. They had seen the Christ, and they told everyone what had
happened to them. The good news about Jesus is something to be shared, and the
best people to share it are ordinary folk who have had a personal experience
with Him. You may not know everything, but if God has unexpectedly broken into
your life, you have something to share. We have someone to share—a baby
in the manager, a man on the Cross, a returning King!
O holy child of
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel.
Be wise today and always - praise God for sending Jesus!
