Shepherds in Their Fields

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. It was night, and they were taking care of their sheep. An angel of the Lord appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified... The shepherds returned. They gave glory and praise to God. Everything they had seen and heard was just as they had been told. (LUKE 2:8–9, 20) 
 

Today's new parents are excited when their baby arrives. They talk about the baby’s weight, length, and name. And if you ask, they’ll tell you more—lots more. 
 

In the same way, God was excited that Jesus, His Son, had come to earth. He sent a host of angels to talk to shepherds. Isn’t that strange? He didn’t tell the priests, or King Herod (the ruler of Judea), or the rich merchants of Jerusalem. Instead, He sent angels to shepherds. 
 

Yesterday, we talked Jesus’s humble beginning in a stable. The shepherds were humble folk too. They were probably uneducated and made a living just taking care of sheep. Yet God sent an entire host—that’s a bunch of angels—to announce the baby. 
 

The angels frightened the shepherds. But one angel had words to calm them down: “a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12). 
 

After talking it over, the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph with the baby. The angel’s words were true! 
 

The angel said the good news is a “great joy” and it was given “for all the people” (verse 10). But the good news came first to the shepherds. This is one of the many wonders of Christmas. It gives us hope that God will also care about us and our lives. 
 

Peace is promised to “those He is pleased with on earth!” (verse 14). If the promise came to humble shepherds, then you can have peace too. The angel promised it. 
 

Prayer: 

Father, thank You for the “great joy” of a Savior. Remind me today, during this busy season, that Jesus is the Reason for the season. Give me peace in the middle of all my busyness. 
 

This is an excerpt from The Wonder of Christmas by Shanna Noel - a devotional book now available on DaySpring.com. Learn more about this book, or shop other books & devotionals from DaySpring.