In Luke 2:8-9, an ordinary group of people have a supernatural encounter with angelic beings. These blue collar workers. shepherds in a field, were interrupted from their daily responsibility of overseeing their master’s sheep. As bright lights shined on their face, each was gripped with fear, paralyzing their bodies as each dropped to their knees trying to protect their eyes the glory of the Lord.
Noticing their response, the angel sent by God brings a message of hope to a dark night in verses 10-12. According to Luke 2:13, a great company of heavenly hosts appear. The Greek word Luke chooses is stratus, referring to layers and layers of angels in the skies. This event doesn’t happen at church or in temple, rather God celebrates Jesus’ birth out in the open. Somewhere in between Luke 2:9 and Luke 2:14, the shepherds exchange their fear with joy as the angel sang praises to God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94whV_gEk5g
Unfortunately, this simple story has been neglected, overlooked due to modern practices of this holiday. Christmas is not about exchanging gifts, receiving items that you either don’t need or have too much of. Rather, Christmas is spiritual practice of exchanging your earthly fears with the joy of Jesus entering the world. Romans 5:6-8 highlights the true meaning of Jesus’ birth, coming to earth and dying as a perfect sacrifice so that the fear of death is eliminated. May the promise of John 3:16 transform for you the purpose and meaning of Jesus on this Christmas Day.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 