Today’s Scripture brought what is likely another familiar story—the story of the shepherds. We start here: the shepherds were watching their flock at night, but the stillness and calm of the darkness was interrupted by an angel of the Lord coming to tell them of Jesus’ birth. God’s glory shined brightly, and the shepherds were surprised, terrified, and in awe as they heard the angel say to them, “Fear not.”
You and I typically jump ahead to the next part of the story—that they made their way to see the baby boy. But like we did with Mary’s story, let’s really consider this scene. Think about that night—the sky opening up and the glory of the Lord shining bright around these shepherds. Their hearts trembled at the angel who said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
And if the presence of one angel was not enough to make the point for these shepherds, many more angels appeared saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Just like Gabriel brought news of peace to Mary, this host of angels promised peace on earth through the newly-born King.
Like the angels burst into the darkness, so too has light exposed the darkness of our own hearts! In Jesus we have a Rescuer. Without Him we are, at best, a disappointing version of who we wish to be. But He has come to bring light—and peace—to the darkest places of our hearts. So our hearts still tremble now, not with fear at His appearing, but in awe of the overwhelming peace we have, because He has come to save us.
[Matt Chandler (2021). (p. 31). Family Advent Devotional - Bible Study eBook. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]