Advent 2020 (day 24 of 26)

December 22, 2020 (Tuesday)

 

Advent 2020, day 24 of 26. Almost Christmas!

 

The story of Jesus’ birth required the cooperation of many brave people. Between now and Christmas, I want to look at those brave people, what was required of them, and how they responded.

 

Let’s look at the shepherds. Their story begins on a regular night. “Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night.” [Luke 2:8 CEB] It was a night like every other night until God interrupts their night. Seems like God does that, a lot. We seldom expect God, but it doesn’t matter, He interrupts us anyway.

 

Imagine a quiet night, maybe some stars and a few clouds. Suddenly, “The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.” [Luke 2:9 CEB] Yes, terrified is the appropriate response. The night became like day (the Lord’s glory) and there was an angel. Throughout the Bible most people had a similar reaction to seeing an angel.

 

God’s message for the first Christmas night was, “The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people.” [Luke 2:10 CEB] I like that. First, do not be afraid. We live in a world where fear is a motivator, but God comes to bring peace. Second, there is good news. It seems like 2020 is the year of bad news. Third, this news is joyous. The construction of the sentence is kind of like a multiplier. Kind of like saying “good times infinity.”

 

What is this infinitely joyful news? I am so glad you asked! The angel announced, “Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:11 CEB] The birth announcement was that “your savior is born.” Then the place of birth is announced. Finally the shepherds are told this is God-in-the-flesh.

 

After partying with the angels, they were on the excited side. “When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” [Luke 2:15 CEB] The Greek text gives the impression that they kept saying, over and over again. Literally they “began to speak,” giving the impression they did not finish their sentence. To say they were excited might be an understatement.

 

After visiting the baby Jesus, their excitement transformed to enthusiasm. “When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child.” [Luke 2:17 CEB] In other words, they woke the town. Which caused everyone to wonder what was happening.

 

To get a grip on the significance we need to know who shepherds were. People who care for sheep will stink, because sheep stink. Who wants to be around people who stink? Chances are they were not even Jewish. Because of their low social standing they were not allowed to be witnesses in court. Yet, God chose them to be the first human witness of the birth of Jesus. Also, notice that God chose women to be the first witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus. (Times were very different then.)

 

Imagine that. God chooses and uses those who were not at the center of their culture. Possibly they were not even close to the fringes, to be the first witnesses. It was courageous of them to speak of the most significant event in their lives. As a double bonus, they when back to their sheep, which still stink, praising God.

 

You may not think you are significant, but God has given you a message too. What are you going to do with it?