Luke 2:13

New International Version (NIV)

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God.

For Meditation

This could have been one of those nights when this company of men looked forward to a refreshing rest after a busy day. There was nothing unusual around to warn and prepare them for what was to happen shortly. No one foresaw the extraordinary phenomenon that would lift them from obscurity into prominence and a place in the history of the first advent of Jesus – a story that would be told for ages to come and in the remotest parts of the world. After all, they were ordinary shepherds, and even if they knew of a search for candidates for God’s special favor, they would not have considered themselves worthy of it. This surprise just broke on them that night as they kept their flock in a nearby field.

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people,” the angel said. “Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord” (Lk. 2:9-11).

Often times, we see ourselves through the eyes of other people. We evaluate ourselves by their standards and expectations, and measure our worth in their scales. We diminish ourselves in the process and all kinds of complexes creep into our lives that way. When we do that we take ourselves out of many considerations and opportunities that come our way. But God who sees us differently, and value us with our own uniqueness, often surprises us. Those shepherds were in for a pleasant surprise they would never forget in their lives.

God chose them for a special and privileged announcement of the birth of His Son. He surrounded them with His glory, and appointed an angel to announce the birth to them. Before they could work through the first surprise, an angelic choir joined in the party. They praised God saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (13-14)

That is the spirit of Christmas – the surprise factor! It commemorates the day God surprised the world with His one and only Son and ushered in His redemption program for the world.

1. Has God surprised you before?
2. Was it a pleasant surprise or a disappointment?
3. Have you seen Christmas as God’s surprise to the world before?
4. Has it produced its intended purpose in you – the gift of life in Christ?
5. Are you walking in that life and sharing Jesus with others?

I pray that the surprise of Christmas – God in human flesh – will incite wonder and praise in you and draw you closer to Jesus in a much more intimate relationship.

So: May you thank God for the surprises He brings to your life and ask Him to help you to manage and grow by them; and may Jesus surprise you with something special this Christmas season that will elevate your view of Him and bring you joy where gloom blossomed.

The surprise factor of life is a blessing when managed properly in Christ.

Shalom