The Angels view of Christmas: The Glory of the Lord Shone

Last week, we were with Joseph, as an angel came upon him in a dream and told him to take Mary as his wife.

Angels appeared with the news of the Saviors birth

We are fast-forwarding a few months and Mary and Joseph has travelled to Bethlehem, where they found a stable and Mary gave birth to a tiny infant named Jesus.

One can only imagine how the angels watched from heaven with delight in their hearts.  They couldn’t wait to exclaim the good news.  so, where did they go?

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

They appeared to the shepherds.  Simple herdsmen, who were watching over their flock.  But if we think about it, doesn’t it make sense.

First, the shepherds were still awake as they watched over their flock.

Secondly, Jesus was born of the line of David.  Before he was anointed to become king, David was a shepherd.

So, I’ll admit that as the pictures showed, in envisioned the angel towering over them in the sky.  But, our commentary says “He stood upon the earth at their side, and did not

The shepherds were tending their flock

float above them in the heavens, as he is usually pictured. His standing upon the earth shows a fuller fellowship and sympathy with men.”  {The Fourfold Gospel: or A Harmony of the Four Gospels.}

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds.  Again, we are not told what angel, but the fact that an angel appeared to them is important in itself.

“The Shechinah, or bright cloud, which symbolizes the divine presence.”  }The Fourfold Gospel: or A Harmony of the Four Gospels.}

As the angel appeared, the glory of the Lord shone around.  Imagine how bright the night sky must have been with the appearance of the Lord.  There were no flashlights or lampposts to light the sky.

But, with the appearance of the angel, the shepherds were afraid. I have to admit that I probably would be also.

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

A multitude of angels appeared singing praises to God

The angel reiterates the words of Gabriel when he appeared to Zacharias, “I bring you good news”.   Then he expanded upon it “this will cause great joy for all people”.  The shepherd’s had no idea that this referred to people throughout all time, including us today.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This child was born in the town of David, which was Bethlehem.  David, who had once been a shepherd.

And the child is the Messiah, that was long promised, longed for and waited for.

“Messiah is the Hebrew and Christ is the Greek for our English word “anointed.” Prophets, priests, and kings were anointed. Jesus held all these three offices for all our race for all eternity.”  {The Fourfold Gospel: or A Harmony of the Four Gospels.}

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”   {Luke 2:8-12}

Then the shepherds were told where to find the child and how to know it was him.  Not many babies are wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

But, wait until you see what the angels do next.

How would you react if while going through your daily routine an angel appeared beside you?

 

The Glory of the Lord shone about when the angels appeared to the shepherds #eyewitnesstoChristmas #Christmas Share on X

 

**Photos courtesy of FreeBibleImages.org

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