Our scripture this morning is Luke 2:9-10 (ESV).
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.”
Shepherds weren’t exactly top of the social register in ancient Israel. They worked outside in close proximity to smelly animals and tended to be rough people out of necessity. Yet these are the very ones who first hear the Good News through angel voices. God is doing exactly what He promised: the Messiah has come to save us by becoming one of us. Wealthy and learned folk from far away have also been invited, showing that God calls all of us, regardless of our heritage or position. We are the blessed recipients of the “Good News of great joy.”
Loving Lord, You came to save us from sin and show us a better way to live. We all sing “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace.” Amen.
