Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
“The angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” [Luke 2:10-12]
The first thing the angel said was “Do not be afraid.” He had to say that, Scripture records that the shepherds were terrified when the angel appeared and the glory of the LORD shown all around them. It must have been something because I don’t think shepherds scared all that easily. They were used to predators that came in the night to attack their flocks. But this was something far different than what they were used to—angels, bright lights in the night, heavenly choirs.
And as glorious were the things that accompanied the announcement, it was the announcement itself that really energized them. A Savior had been born in the town of David, Bethlehem. This was indeed good news of great joy for all people of all the ages. It means “God and sinners would now be reconciled.”
These shepherds heeded the message of the angel and left their sheep to go find and worship this Savior, the newborn King. Perhaps they understood more than we give them credit for…after all, they were the very ones who were keeping and guarding the lambs that would soon become the Passover sacrifices.
Beloved, we’ve been reconciled with God!
