As the sun set over the skies of the Judean hill country and darkness was quickly coming upon them. The shepherds brought the sheep into the fold and laid down for the evening at the entrance of the gate.  As these shepherds settled in for the night, it likely seemed like just another night.  However, God had other plans in mind.  Plans these shepherds could never have imagined.  God the father, the Great Shepherd of Israel would proclaim the coming of His very own Son to these lowly shepherds in the field watching over their flock by night. 

The Psalmist declared, “For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95)  The great God of Israel whose plan was established from eternity past declared to these shepherds that they would see the one God would use to save the people of the world.  The people on earth would come face to face with the “Good Shepherd” and have to determine if they would repent and believe that the “Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the World” (1 John 2:14). 

Luke records in his Gospel the angelic declaration saying, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) 

Imagine with me for just a moment what it must have been like for these shepherds to see a multitude of heavenly hosts declaring, “Glory to God in the highest on earth peace among those with whom he is please.”  The God of heaven had sent his one and only Son, “so that whoever would believe in him would not perish but have eternal life.” (Johns 3:16)

The shepherds did not linger in the fields that night, but hastily went into Bethlehem to see the baby in a manger.  As they went away that evening, it says in Gospel of Luke that “they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” 

They couldn’t keep this kind of information to themselves but had to share it with those around them.  I hope this Christmas you are looking for opportunities to share the story of the Gospel with those around you and rejoice together about the message of salvation which is for all people.

The great God of heaven sent his Son to be the Savior of the World. (1 John 2:14)

I would encourage you at some point during your Christmas break during your quiet time or even perhaps as part of your own time of family worship.  Watch this wonderful presentation from Joel Kramer creator of the Bible Expedition videos about the good shepherd and share it with those around you so that they can rejoice in God’s Salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ!