Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

 

Observation: it almost feels strange whenever I read this story when it’s not Christmas. But I guess it’s really not that far away. lol   I love trying to visualize this scene. All the angels appearing before the shepherds. I wonder what that looked like, how awesome that must have been. What an honor and blessing to be the ones chosen to go spread the word about what had just happened in a little stable. The savior of the world had just been born. Even though Mary and Joseph were aware of this, i’ll bet they couldn’t even fathom what that meant or what events would yet take place. What an exciting time for those who knew the prophecies and realized what just happened. I would sure want to go see!

Application: not really sure what kind of application I can add today. Maybe just to remember that God always has a plan. We may not understand it or even believe it at times, but He has a plan, and we need to trust Him.

Prayer: God, what an incredible sight those shepherds must have witnessed. Lord we thank you that you do always have a plan for your children. Thank you that you call me your child. As Christmas draws near, help us to remember why we celebrate. In Jesus name, amen.