Today is Part 3 of a four-part series on the response to the news of the birth of Jesus. Posts will publish Tuesdays and Thursdays before Christmas.
The Unexpected
Just another night on the job—another long night in a forgotten place in a common field. Then God shows up in a very unexpected way.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified (Luke 2:8-9, NIV).
God’s presence is evident. The Spirit of God stirs inside. Fear rises up and paralyzes.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:10-11).”
Good news is meant to be shared. Is it possible the Messiah is here today, right in this very place? There’s an immediacy about it. People need to hear this amazing news about a Savior—even in this remote and forgotten place.
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them (Luke 2:16-18).
140 Character Christian 