Read
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.” (Luke 2:8–11)
Reflect
These shepherds had never seen a distant town illumining the midnight sky. Electric lights were still 18 centuries away. And they certainly had never seen fireworks. Every single evening, the darkness descended yet again to engulf them, to swallow them. No category existed in their minds for the dazzling display that lit up the sky—and their lives—that night.
No wonder they collapse in terror.
But instead of judgment, they hear words of assurance: “Fear not” (v. 10). Before we turn to the angel’s explanation, we dare not take for granted that an explanation is offered at all. A holy God isn’t obligated to give us reasons to trust him. He has every right to tell us what to do—“Quit being scared,” for instance—and leave it at that. Just because we desire a reason doesn’t mean we deserve one.
But God isn’t just holy; he’s also generous and kind. He gives us what we don’t deserve, including manifold reasons to obey his commands and trust his heart.
God isn’t just holy; he’s also generous and kind. He gives us what we don’t deserve, including manifold reasons to obey his commands and trust his heart.
So against this backdrop of bleating sheep and blinding fear, the angel clarifies why the shepherds have no reason to shudder: “I bring you good news of great joy” (v. 10). It’s as if he’s saying, “Get up! You can breathe now. We’ve not come to judge you; we’ve come to unveil the most magnificent news you will ever hear.”
And what is this news? “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (v. 11).
Notice two things in these verses.
First, the news is good and the joy is great because it’s for all the people. The King in the manger won’t be stingy with his mercy; he’s on a mission to rescue every kind of rebel. Most basically, this promise means Jews and Gentiles, and yet by extension it encompasses the greatest to the least—sovereigns and shepherds, billionaires and beggars, missionaries and murderers, the pious and the profane.
If you know yourself to be morally and spiritually bankrupt, you aren’t incidental to this Savior’s mission; you’re central to it. He’s not looking to draft better talent. He comes for obscure herdsmen on the outskirts of the empire, unseen by elites and yet deeply loved by God. No matter who you are or where you are, these glad tidings are for you.
Second, notice who is born to us: “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” This isn’t flattering. We were so lost and addicted to sin that nothing less than a cosmic rescue operation could free us.
No matter who you are or where you are, these glad tidings are for you.
Some people desire to have Jesus as Savior without bothering to follow him as Lord. Perhaps that even describes you. I hope he forgives my sin. I just don’t want him to mess with my life. But friend, that is to want the benefits of Good Friday without the obligations of Easter Sunday. Do you only want to be delivered from sin’s guilt but not also sin’s power? If so, then you may be religious, but you’re not yet saved.
This good news, though, should bring great joy: unto you is born not just a Savior who can pardon but a King who can transform. Will you let him? Will you give him control? The good news of the gospel, after all, is so much better than “Follow your heart.” For the child in the manger grew up and said, “Follow me.” Don’t miss out.
Respond
Which are you more prone to think: I’m too bad, so my sin can’t be forgiven or I’m forgiven, so my sin isn’t too bad? Take some time to confess before the Lord, thanking him that his mercy in Christ fully covers all your sin. Prayerfully consider areas in your life in which you may be minimizing sin. Ask the Lord to give you a renewed desire for joyful obedience and trust in God’s power to change you.
Rejoice
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
– Charles Wesley, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
This meditation appears in The Weary World Rejoices: Daily Devotions for Advent edited by Melissa Kruger (TGC, November 2021). Purchase through the TGC Bookstore or Amazon.
