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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:8-14 New International Version (NIV)
Imagine… If you were in your place of work, and an angel appeared to you, how would you respond?
stratia – Army
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)
strateia – Warfare or military service
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.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
Luke 2:15-18 (NIV)
But you, Bethlehem… though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel…
Micah 5:2 (NIV)
“That’s where the real glory is. God’s glory and presence were not found in the angelic visitation or the heavenly host on display. Instead, the presence of God was found in a manger, hidden in the darkness of the night.” – Anna Grace Legband , Seedbed Ministries
The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV)
The shepherds didn’t encounter the presence of God in the bright light, or the heavenly host, or the angel’s song. But in a baby, in a manger, in a stable, in the dark of the night.
But sometimes, it’s small, and quiet, and simple. And if we aren’t paying attention, we might miss it.
Advent is meant to draw us close to and focus on Jesus.
That’s it. Plain and simple.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth
John 1:14 (NIV)
“The whole verse might be paraphrased thus: And in order to raise us to this dignity and happiness, the eternal Word, by a most amazing condescension, was made flesh, united himself to our miserable nature.” – John Wesley
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God .
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Think about the times that God has revealed Himself to you… Take time to pray and thank God for what He has done and is doing in your life.
Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, peace on whom His favor rests.