Shepherds...

Luke 2:15-20
“15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.”

Can you even imagine what this event must have looked like and felt like to them?? No wonder, AGAIN…the first words out of the angel of the Lord’s mouth is; “Do not be afraid!” Amazing! This is not just a cool experience, this is life-changing. For many. Look at the series of events and all the people involved. Angel of the Lord-Shepherds-many angels-Mary/Joseph-all who heard it….all of them- marveled, wondered and pondered on these things. And the experience propelled them to action, especially the shepherds. They hurried to Bethlehem to recount the events and message…

This is what the angel of the Lord said….

“10 But the angel said to them ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

This is what the angels sang….

14“ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

This is all true! They found exactly what they were told that they would find….then the rest of the message must be true!? The “sign” was true….Jesus was wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. To the shepherds, time will tell about the rest of the message….history would confirm and Jesus God would fulfill to completion the message. The Messiah had come. They marveled, others wondered…Mary treasured and pondered. Jesus had come. Glory to God in the Highest!