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No Ordinary Night
I like to imagine the shepherds’ night shift started like every other night. They might have shared a meager meal and taken care of whatever needs their flock had at the time.
But this was no ordinary night—it was a miracle unfolding. Suddenly, light exploded all around them. An angel appeared, surrounded by the glory of the Lord. The shepherds were immediately terror stricken. They were paralyzed by fear. But not for long. The fierce and glory-shining angel told them not to fear because he was there to bring them good news of great joy. This good news, or gospel, was for all people—even shepherds on a hillside outside Bethlehem.
Something to Think About
In the ancient world, “gospel” meant an announcement of a new government. When a new king took over, messengers went throughout the land proclaiming the gospel or good news of the new ruler. So who was this new king? What was the good news being proclaimed to the shepherds? The angel went on to tell them that today in David’s city, a baby had been born. But this is no ordinary baby. He was (and is) a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
In this one light-filled sentence, His entire identity is declared. This baby, the Christ, would be the sacrificial Lamb who would take away their sins forever. Do you see why God announced this great news to the shepherds first? Nothing in Scripture is trivial. God is always in the details.
Prayer
Father, thank You for wrapping Your Son’s birth announcement in light and delivering it to an unlikely group of shepherds. They didn’t question the details. They ran to see the king. I pray this Christmas that my heart will be ready to receive the good news of Jesus with great joy. Help me to tell everyone I meet about my Savior, who is Christ the Lord, and all He has done for me. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
In the Bible, God seems to have a soft spot for shepherds. Can you think of other places in Scripture that refer to shepherds and what they do for their sheep?
How does the shepherds’ response to the glory of the Lord connect with what we have learned so far about the Light? What surprises you about this story?
We hope this plan has encouraged you.
Explore other resources at https://www.whitakerhouse.com/authors/stacey-thacker .
Scripture
About this Plan
Distractions can pull us in all directions at Christmastime. It’s hard to figure out how to celebrate the birth of Christ in a meaningful way when there are gifts to buy, treats to make, and events to add to the calendar. This devotional will help you experience the birth of Jesus—the Light that was and is and is to come—in a richer, deeper way.
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We would like to thank Whitaker House for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.whitakerhouse.com/authors/stacey-thacker
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