LEARNING DAILY

Luke 2:10, 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.

The shepherds were in the fields that night watching over their flock, keeping them safe. I imagine the night being calm and peaceful, the stars shining brightly. This night would not be like any other night – the darkness is suddenly interrupted by a bright light. An angel appears to the shepherds; his presence must have been overwhelming to the shepherds who were no doubt filled with fear and awe. “Do not be afraid,” the angel said. “I have brought Good News to you and all people – a Savior, Christ the Lord has been born!”

God chose “the least of all cities (Bethlehem) to host the birth of His son, and He chose the least of society (shepherds) as the first witnesses. Shepherds were considered ceremonially unclean because they engaged in financial transactions with Gentiles; they cared for the sheep used in temple sacrifices” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). The shepherds were not allowed to worship in the temple or testify in court because of their “uncleanness.” Yet, the shepherds were the first to be told of this wonderful birth.

The declaration of the Good News of Jesus Christ is still being announced today. It is still telling those who hear, “Do not be afraid!” It was not a statement given only to the shepherds. It is throughout God’s Word. “Do not be afraid for I am with you; I am your God!” (Isaiah 41:10). This is wonderful assurance that God is with us and actively involved with the Believer’s life (remember yesterday’s blog with Pastor Jonathon Moore). The “Good News” spoken by the angel is the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This news will transform one’s life and is intended to bring “great joy!”  This joy is not an emotion that is for a moment, but a sense of peace that comes with knowing Jesus Christ as one’s Savior and as one’s Lord. The “Good News” as given to the shepherds speaks to the fact that Jesus Christ came for all people. One’s social status, economic situation, and culture mean little; the Son of God came for all people.

The angel’s message is a timeless message to a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and division. Yes, the world needs Jesus Christ more than ever! Philippians 4:4 tells people, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.” Believers are to have this joy in their life because of their relationship to Jesus Christ. The words of the angel tell believers to lay down their fears, their sorrows, their anxieties and grab on to the “Good News” that transforms them; it is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.

After hearing the words of the angel, the shepherds did not hesitate to seek the Savior. I pray you hear the words of the angel and have a hunger and thirst each day for seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness before everything else.