In the dark winter night, the Son of Jesus was born in an inn in the wilderness of Bethlehem. The cold wind was stinging. The wilderness in deep night is completely dark. "8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." Suddenly,9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." Why did the shepherds fear in their hearts? They were fearful due to the abnormal phenomenon, because the arrival of the Lord’s messenger broke the peace of the winter night, and the glory of the Lord illuminated the darkness of winter. At the moment when the shepherds were terrified and panicked, they heard the good news from heaven in their ears, "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. ‘"
What was the hope of all the people in this noisy world? People looked forward to money, wealth, fame and authority. Almighty God, according to His own will, brought the message of peace on earth to those shepherds who were loyal to their duties in the wilderness. Because this Shepherd, a Great Shepherd would bring salvation. Eze. 34:12 says, “As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness."
The good news that the angel reported to the shepherds is not only about the Shepherd Himself, but also about the people. What does it mean? It means that God sent his only beloved Son to save all people who believe. God's only beloved Son is coming. "11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
While the world regards Christmas as a season of sales promotion with Christmas music, as children of God who have been redeemed and enlightened by God's grace, are we waiting faithfully like those shepherds? Are we illuminated by the glory of the Lord like those shepherds? Do we receive the good news of salvation for all peoples like those shepherds? Do we witness the Son of God Jesus born in a manger like those shepherds? Are you committed to sharing the Gospel of salvation by the Son, Jesus, like those shepherds?
～Rev. Benguang Du都本光牧師～