Luke 2:8-11 NIV
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Encountering unprecedented or unexpected circumstances, people will be terrified, people will not know how to react. Probable after the shock, people will start to put things together and to react.
The shepherds were with lots of experience living in the wilderness, looking after the flocks days and nights. They were skillful in handling wildlife and unexpected situations. However, when the unprecedented strong light shone around them, the strong light was described as “the glory of the Lord shone around them”. The experienced shepherds had not seen this before, they were terrified. “The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”” (Luke 2:10-11) The angel told them the good news with great joy which was for all mankind. The Savior, Jesus Christ, was born. The promise of saving grace has become reality.
Christmas is a joy to the world season. God knows men are sinful and continue sinning against Him. But, He has not given up on us, God still fulfills His promise. Jesus Christ came on earth as man, he was prepared to die on the cross for the penalty of our sins. “God so love the world” is fully expressed. Hence, the angel told them, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” We have great joy not because we have holiday, not because of festive dinner, not because of family gathering, but because God has sent Jesus Christ to us. May we have a joyful and thankful heart as we enjoy this Christmas Season. As the angel told those shepherds, we have to tell such good news to our family, our children and our friends.