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“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 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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ButMary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” - Luke 2:8–21

What kind of event stops you in your tracks? Is there news that comes across your phone that would cause you to pause? I remember where I was when the twin towers fell on 9/11. I was driving for UPSand everywhere on my route people were talking about what was happening in NewYork. All sorts of speculation, wonder, grief, and worry about the disaster and what could possibly happen next. It seemed as if the whole world had stopped.It was the worst of news.

A Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord! The news seems too good to be true.

The shepherds of the Christmas story received news that invaded their lives in a somewhat similarly terrifying and amazing way as they were minding their work: tending to sheep in the night. But, this news was “…good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10) Fear seized the shepherds' hearts as the angel proclaimed what this monumental news was all about. A Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord! The news seems too good to be true. If true, it meant their world, and the rest of the world, was about to change forever.

He is the King that has been promised to come and save this world from sin and misery.

The anointed Savior has been born, and he isLord. He is the King that has been promised to come and save this world from sin and misery. The shepherds got the news first! They were the first to hear it. They were the first to have their lives impacted by the coming of this SaviorKing. After confirming the arrival of the anointed one, they couldn’t stop glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.

These guys were not special. In fact, they were most likely criminals, removing themselves from the rest of society by doing the unglamorous work of tending sheep. But God graciously interrupted their lives, bringing them the good news that their lives can be utterly transformed. The news is so good that they couldn’t stop expressing joy, giving God glory! Something that men like these would never do. These men were changed!

Jesus invites us to abandon our hopeless desires and our sin and to embrace him — to trust him as Christ the Lord.

Christ has come and offers to interrupt our lives abruptly, with good news of great joy. He came to save us from ourselves and our sin. He brings peace to those with whom he is pleased! Jesus invites us to abandon our hopeless desires and our sin and to embrace him — to trust him as Christ the Lord.

Liturgy

Gracious Father, 

What would our prayer have been that night,
As shepherds tending our tasks when your angel arrived? 
How greatly fear would have run through our veins—
Would our hearts have immediately desired to follow you?

For the shepherds that night—change came
And with nothing more to keep them, they believed.
Kings and peasants ,too, left far away lands
to seek out the wonder of you.

In these tumultuous days, we know your story. 
We read your words and pause, hearts overwhelmed,
Voices singing with joy at our Lord’s humble birth.
Let our prayer be more than Christmas gladness,
Let it be our everyday praise of your mercy and peace.

Release us from the fear of darkness.
When the world speaks lies, let us raise our voices 
And mightily cry out in awe of your glory,
Grace, and unending love.

Remind us that joy will come as the sun rises. 
When our eyes settle on your beloved Son,
Let our hearts overflow so that we boldly declare
You, Lord God, have saved our souls!

In your name we pray,

Amen