Day Three

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Lk. 2:10-12)

 A gentle breeze caressed Daniel’s sweaty head as he hurried for a quick bath. The day had been rough for him, and what he needed most was a quiet night and a good rest. His colleagues chatted away around the camp fire, which provided the much-needed warmth in the frosty night. Micah had just come back from town with news about the census and the crowded streets of Bethlehem with returnees for registration.

Daniel was spiritually sensitive. He turned uneasily in his seat around the fire. They loved him for sensing predators from afar, but today, he sensed something different. “There is something in the air, but I can’t pin it down,” he said. The other shepherds teased and laughed until suddenly, the sky burst open and, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them” (Lk. 2:9). They sat in awe, dumbfounded and shaken to the core.

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (v.10).

As the men struggled to understand what was going on, a great company of angels poured out of heaven. They stood in choir formation around the shepherds and lifted their voices into a sweet melody of praises to God saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests” (13-14).

Poor shepherds! They had received a privileged invitation to a private audience with baby Immanuel, God incarnate. His birth was the greatest event that would transform the entire world and change the course of history. Stunned in disbelief, they hurried to Bethlehem in honor of God’s invitation (15). What a scene they created in the town of David when they entered with their flock! With the bleating and puffing of the sheep, people stood aside and watched them in wonder.

Daniel led the search. He took them to the last place anybody will look for the Messiah – an obscure Inn situated is a poor neighborhood. The Innkeeper pointed them to the sheep pen and rudely walked away. “Be careful you don’t mix your sheep with mine,” he shouted after them.

Joseph met them at the door. He presented them to Mary and the baby who was lying in the manger just as the angel had told them. (16). Tears of joy flooded their faces as they told their story. The Innkeeper and a few of his guests listened in amazement. Mary listened intently and “pondered them in her heart” (v.19).

The shepherds bid their goodbyes and left, rejoicing and praising the Lord (20). It was indeed, glory to God on high and a refreshing peace upon them to whom God had favored – the angelic orchestra, the wonder of the God-child in a manger, and the privilege of being partakers in God’s redemption story.

That’s our privilege too, as we come with the shepherds today to welcome Immanuel to our homes.

Their sheep leaped and bleated along the way with unusual joy for knowing that the King of glory was born among their kind. But as their procession trailed out of town, Bethlehem slept, oblivious of the glorious visitation of Israel’s King, full of grace and truth.

Unfortunately, many around the world today still sleep in the same shameful ignorance or outright rejection.