‘Then the angel said to them (shepherds), Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people, for there is born to you this day in the city of David A SAVIOUR, WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD’ Luke chapter 2 verses 10-11.

The news of Christ’s birth did not come initially to royalty or the wealthy of society, who lived in palaces or sumptuous abodes. Luke tells us that it came to humble shepherds ‘living in the fields’! It reminds us of Paul’s words to the Christians in Corinth: ‘For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty . . . . that no flesh should glory in His presence’, 1 Corinthians chapter 1 verses 26-29. Note, he did not say, ‘not any’ BUT ‘not many’ are called.

The message to the shepherds was intended to be for ‘ALL PEOPLE’, whether Jews or Gentiles, rich or poor, kings or shepherds. Only lepers ranked below shepherds in the eyes of the people at this time, yet the shepherds were the first to hear the most wonderful message the world had ever heard. God only comes to those who know their need of a SAVIOUR.

The Saviour given by God was none other than ‘CHRIST (the anointed One), THE LORD’. It is because of who He is that He can be our Saviour. ‘He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him’, Hebrews chapter 7 verse 25.

One writer has described the occasion like this: ‘The angel voices joined forces at the greatest event of all – the birth of God manifest in the flesh – the perfect sympathizer and Saviour. God became a man, not an angel. God redeemed us, not angels. Ours is the best part, and we will praise Him for it, for eternity’. 

We pray you will know this SAVIOUR this Christmas-time.

Concluded