Week 3 Reflection
The Angels’ Song | Luke 2:8-15
Imagine a tranquil night in the countryside. The shepherds who live in the fields with their flocks day and night are watching for unwanted predators. Sheep were important in ancient days, valued for their wool, meat, and milk. Their skins were used to make parchment paper which were used to write on. Sheep were also sacrificed to make restitution for sins committed. The shepherds were prepared to fight wolves, hyenas, panthers, jackals, lions, and bears. Imagine their shock when instead of a predator, they were visited by an angel, who was surrounded by “the glory of the Lord which shone around them” (Luke 2:9 NKJV). The angel must have been shrouded in bright light. Understandably confidence in their ability to protect their animals turned to fear, and they were terrified.
The angel comforted them saying, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11 NKJV). They must have wondered why God chose to tell them first when they were common, uneducated tenders of sheep. But God doesn’t play favorites, and he doesn’t judge as the world does. He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). He values and uses ordinary people for His work. The fear of the shepherds must have turned to awe, as they began to realize that the Savior the world had longed for had just been born in a city within travel distance.
The angel continued to explain the unusual birth in that the baby “would be wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12 NKJV). As the shepherds must have been processing this incredible information, they suddenly heard “a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (2:13-14 NKJV)! Their song celebrates the glory of God, and the peace which the Savior brings to those who believe (John 3:16-18). There was much to celebrate. This child would fulfill the prophecies in Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7 and Micah 5:2. He was the Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He was the one John the Baptist had prepared the people to receive. He would save people from their sins, and teach the world about their Heavenly Father, and how He wanted people to treat each other. Praise God for Jesus Emmanuel who is always with us, now and forever, bringing peace and hope into the world.