Wondering with the shepherds
Peter Jeffery comments on Luke 2.1-20
I wonder if the shepherds had ever read Habakkuk 2.3 ('For the revelation awaits an appointed time. It speaks to the end and will not prove false.') and longed for God to send his Messiah. The day in which they lived seemed far from a time when prophecy could be fulfilled. The Romans ruled their land and at the whim and word of the conqueror, the whole world had to move around to be counted. But as events were to show, it is at such times that God very often fulfils his promise.
If the shepherds felt disheartened - and who could blame them? - this was soon to change: 'the glory of the Lord shone round about them' (v.8). They were terrified but they did not doubt that this was of God (v.15) and neither were they satisfied in just hearing about Christ, they had to go and see for themselves. And having seen they had to tell others (v.17).
Is this how Christmas affects you? You are not likely to see any angels this Christmas but you can experience something of the wonder of the shepherds. But if we allow the world to take over Christmas we will see nothing of the glory of God.
The shepherds could not stop Caesar Augustus having his way, and you cannot stop the commercialisation of Christmas, but when God speaks, even in the midst of all the world's activities, you can listen.
Once we grasp the wonder of verse 11, mince pies and decorations will never be the same again.
The message of Christmas:
* We are all sinners needing salvation
* We cannot save ourselves
* Christ is the only Saviour
Happy Christmas!
This extract is reprinted with permission from 'Enjoying God Always' by Peter Jeffery, published by Evangelical Press.
