Day 129: Luke 2:8–14

The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people” (v. 10).

Luke 2 identifies the first persons to receive the glorious announcement of Christ’s birth. Why do you think God first proclaimed the good news to a motley crew of sheepherders? He seems to enjoy revealing Himself to common people rather than to those who feel most worthy. He often uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise (see 1 Cor. 1:28). Maybe God had a soft place in His heart for the shepherds watching over their flocks.

Don’t miss the fact that the announcement came to the shepherds while they were watching over their flocks “at night” (v. 8). Sometimes in the contrast of the night, we can best see the glory of God. Verse 9 tells us that “the glory of the Lord shone around them.” Notice the Scripture does not say that the glory of the Lord shone around the angel but around the shepherds. As you picture the scene, keep in mind that only one angel, an angel of the Lord, appeared to them first. The other heavenly hosts did not join the scene until after the birth announcement. Most definitely, the glory shone around the shepherds.

Try to imagine for a moment what happened. How do you think the glory of the Lord looked around the shepherds? We don’t know for sure; I’m just asking you to picture it in your mind right now.

I am convinced that God wants us to get involved in our Scripture reading. Using our imaginations and picturing the events as eye-witnesses can make black ink on a white page spring into living color. No matter how the glory of God appeared, it scared the shepherds half to death. The words of the angel are so reminiscent of my Savior. Often He told those nearly slain by His glory not to be afraid.

Oh, how I love Him. The untouchable Hand of God reaching down to touch the fallen hand of man. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (v. 10). I am convinced our witness would be far more effective if we brought our good news with great joy.