And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them…
“Fear not, For Behold, I bring you Good News of A Great Joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, A Savior, who is Christ The Lord.”
All is still. The sheep slumbering and the shepherds perhaps, too. When all of the sudden a radiant beam breaks through the darkness and a voice shatters the silence.
Don’t you think those poor shepherd boys about jumped out of their skin? I mean all it takes for me to scream is my husband or son surprising me when they come around the corner in my house in broad daylight! And now here in the middle of a silent peaceful night they are shaken to the core. No wonder those first words of the angel bypassed an introduction and cut to the chase- “Fear Not!”
The angel anticipated the alarm this abrupt invasion would’ve created. But this invasion was far more than piercing the darkness of that night. It was an eternal invasion to pierce the darkness of sin in our hearts.
This is the Good News! And cause for Great Joy… overwhelming, everlasting Joy worthy of angelic proclamation!
Good news not just for the lowly shepherds, but for all who acknowledge their lowly estate. Good news that took the Creator God of the Universe to come as a helpless babe…Our Savior King to depart His heavenly home and humble himself in humanity… Our Perfect Righteous Redeemer to be sin for us.
BEHOLD!
Stop, study, dwell on this! There is no better news. And nothing more joyous!
Gaze upon Him and see that He is the Light of the World and the Prince of Peace that entered the darkness to cast His grace on YOU. So YOU could have Life. So YOU would “Fear Not” and be filled with the Great Joy only He gives.
BEHOLD THE LAMB; YOU KING!
Merry Christmas for the House of Hatton.
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