Luke 2:8-18
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.
What is Christmas all about? According to Linus, of A Charlie Brown Christmas, this passage is the answer to that question. Linus further illustrates what Christmas is about by showing a straggly little tree “a little bit of love” which causes the tree to flourish.
This Christmas Eve, take time to appreciate what Christmas is all about – the good news and great joy of a savior being born for all. A savior whose birth was not announced to kings, queens, the wealthy or the pious but a savior that was announced to shepherds that were keeping watch over their flock by night.
Take comfort in the good news that you too have a shepherd that watches over you and wants you to flourish.
May the peace of Christ be with you.
Contributed by Amy Rossetti