And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
If you had an important message and wanted to disperse it to the ones who would be most affected, what method would you use? Today you might use an email, Facebook, or other social media outlet. Perhaps you would include several emojis to get the point across that this is a really big deal. A lifechanging event. What if you had the ability to not only grab the attention of your audience, but do it in such a way that it struck absolute terror in their hearts?
Picture a group of tired, humble, faithful men on a hillside resting near a flock of sheep. These men were a bit low in the social order of their day. The priests had chosen and discarded sheep after sheep, looking for that perfect lamb to offer in sacrifice. Now it was their responsibility to keep the flock safe during the long night.
And then the messengers arrive. The only lights had been the fires and the heavenly bodies above, including a particularly bright star that had caught their attention but did not disturb them too much. Suddenly the sky above them shone with a glorious light. First one messenger- a supernatural being emerged from the beautiful, terrifying light. The Angel quickly eased their fears and proclaimed a stupefying announcement. “Don't be afraid! this news is fantastic! It's a world changer for all the people! That Messiah you’ve been waiting for has been born tonight in the city of David!” I paraphrase just a little.
These common, simple, hardworking men were not welcome at the temple for worship because their work required ceremonial rituals after the unclean manure and dead animals. They were good enough to care for the sacrificial animals but paradoxically their work excluded them from acceptance to worship. As soon as the messenger angel proclaimed the news and gave them the confirming information where to find this Messiah baby and how to recognize him, the rest of the heavenly choir showed up and showed out. This was the moment heaven and earth had waited for. There praise was in fine form. Never had there been so much to celebrate. The darling of heaven had just put on human form and the Kingdom clock started its countdown.
Those shepherds are easy to identify with. We are unworthy of a love like that. The one who comes to us exactly like we are says, “this message is for you. Right where you are. My love is unfailing and everlasting.” The invitation is the same. Come and see Jesus. No one is unclean or beyond his forgiveness and grace. The ‘temple’ is not required because it's all about the relationship.
Lord,
Help us to see your message. Thank you that in the midst of our filthy, messy lives you chose to show us the love of a Savior. We pray that our focus is on you this advent season and that we seek to know you more. Amen
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