“The glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. … ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”
Luke 2:9, 15
One minute the shepherds were watching the flocks, and the next they were witnessing salvation history. The display of the heavenly host before them in the sky was spectacular. Not even the greatest performance on earth with the most talented musicians could parallel the celebration that unfolded on the big screen of the sky for these shepherds. The plan of God, conceived from time immemorial, was unfolding before their eyes.
These men—caught completely by surprise—saw the angels, heard the witness, and believed. The scribes were too jaded. The royals were too aloof. The Romans were too dismissive. But these humble outsiders had the simple faith to look up, listen, and put their trust in the Christ child.
Luke says they possessed great fear, yet they also were awed. Real spirituality is a healthy awe, reverence, and fear of God, to know that you’re nothing and God is awesome. This Christmas season, let your heart be open to the awe and wonder of God breaking through the heavens to be born as a baby—a baby who would save the world.
These men—caught completely by surprise—saw the angels, heard the witness, and believed. The scribes were too jaded. The royals were too aloof. The Romans were too dismissive. But these humble outsiders had the simple faith to look up, listen, and put their trust in the Christ child.
Luke says they possessed great fear, yet they also were awed. Real spirituality is a healthy awe, reverence, and fear of God, to know that you’re nothing and God is awesome. This Christmas season, let your heart be open to the awe and wonder of God breaking through the heavens to be born as a baby—a baby who would save the world.
Scripture Focus
Luke 2:15-18
Insight
The One who came to the shepherds as they tended sheep for Passover sacrifices would be the Good Shepherd of their souls … and ours too!
Bible In A Year
- Amos 7-9
- Proverbs 19
- 1 John 5
