January 24, 2025
Luke 2: 8-14 "And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” ESV
What strikes me about this is not that they were afraid, I would have been too. Not that a host of angels were singing and giving praise. Not even the message, though it is glorious, in that unto you is born. This was very personal. But what strikes me is that God revealed Jesus to them first. Shepards, the outcasts of society, those who weren't well received by most. The reason is because that's me. When God put them first, He's saying to me I came for you, He made us equal to everyone in that we are welcome in His house. So, my question is this; in our churches is that the case? Are we saying the same thing to those around us? Come, you are welcome, come and see.
