The Baptist Beacon

A SHEPHERD'S CHRISTMAS

The first ones to ever celebrate the birth of Christ did it following the announcement from an Angel. The shepherd's Christmas, recorded by Luke, started with fear and ended with praise. These men, keeping watch over their flocks by night, became the first to recognize in the flesh the hope for all mankind. This revelation of the Son of God to these lowly shepherds brought a change to their lives and to the lives of all the world. These shepherds had no tree, lights, presents, or eggnog. Their excitement over the birth of a baby in Bethlehem caused them to proclaim abroad this great wonder, which is still being told of today.

The birth of Christ, seemingly unnoticed by the world, caused the angelic forces to move into action. According to Luke Chapter 2 shepherds abiding in a field, watching over their flocks were suddenly frightened by the glory of the Lord shining all around them and an angel descending from heaven. This supernatural encounter with an Angel of the Lord scared them at first, then granted them the privilege of seeing the Savior that very night of his arrival. Realizing their anxiety the angel said: "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 Savoir, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto to you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and

These angels were glory filled and overflowing with praise and worship. The sudden filling of this field with shouting angels disrupted their silent night. The Bible does not tell us how long this went on, but the shepherds did not leave until the service was over. After receiving this revelation from God and attending a worship service of angels, the shepherds immediately began to seek for Jesus.

The shepherds saw Jesus lying in that manger and "made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." People of that day that heard them just wondered or marvelled at what they said but the shepherds returned glorifying the praising God. This child became the Savoir because he went to a cross and died for our sins. He made a perfect sacrifice and atonement. He resurrected on the third day and ascended to the right hand of the father. This Savior is coming back in Glory to call every person into judgement according to their relationship with God, based upon His first coming.

Do you really know the Glory of his coming? Have you experienced the salvation of your soul? Do you celebrate the coming of YOUR SAVIOR, and LORD. Do you know peace and goodness through your sins being forgiven and enjoying a right standing with God? Oh that you who have heard the gospel and experienced the drawing of the Holy Spirit upon your soul would seek after Jesus. He is not far from you if you will call upon Him.

Please do as the shepherds did, make haste, see for yourself, experience for yourself the great celebration of salvation. Have a Shepherd's Christmas.