“God is here” is something that the shepherds had to experience first hand in the first century.
You can also experience God!
Based on Luke 2, this took place in Bethlehem following the birth of Jesus Christ.
This is a fascinating story for many reasons, which can help you experience God too.
In this story, there are two primary characters: the shepherds and the angels.
Let me begin by telling you what these two characters represent and what they mean to you. Then, later, I will show you, based on the story, how you also are a character in today’s story.
The first primary character in the Biblical story are the Shepherds.
Shepherds are a representation of humans
- They, in most cases, belonged to the lower class people in the community.
- They also lived on the edge of their society.
- They worked, at times, for wealthy people who wanted them to look after their sheep.
Shepherds are caring
- They cared for the sheep in any season: bad or good.
- They protected their flocks at the risk of even losing their own lives. Of course, there were some of them, who did not it do the job well, especially when caring for sheep that did not belong to them.
Shepherds are fearless
- They were open to anything that could come their way.
- They were open to the idea of the uncomfortable and were willing to adjust. That sounds more like businesses, but not like the Church. Don’t you think?
The second primary character in the Biblical story are the Angels.
But, what about angels in the story? And why did angels appear to the shepherds?
There are quite a few things to say about angels in the Bible. But, based on the story, angels are representative of three things.
Angels represent God.
- “When the angel appeared to the shepherds, the glory of the Lord shone around them” (Luke 2: 9)
- Seeing an angel was and still is like seeing God. They reflect the glory and power of God, our Maker.
Angels represent the Kingdom of God.
- “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2: 11)
- Bethlehem, also known as the city of David, is a sign of God’s Kingdom. This kingdom is different from the one David had. It is an eternal Kingdom.
- It is about the ruling of God over every creature.
- God’s Kingdom is glorious. There is and never will be anything like the Kingdom of God.
Angels represent the good news.
- The good news is what the angel brings to the shepherds. (Luke 2: 10).
- This good news is to bring about joy and it is for all people (Luke 2: 10).
YOU are now the primary character in Today’s story.
The application of the Biblical story begins with you. That makes you the primary character in God’s story for people in the 21st century.
The meaning of the Biblical story is what I will briefly talk about next. Then, you will have to decide what to do with it.
Here’s how the Biblical story means to us today.
God is with you.
- Because God is with you, you also have the good news. This is that Jesus Christ who is here with you.
- As a result, all fear is gone and you have joy.
- You have good news that you should share with all people. Remember that when you receive it, it’s supposed to be shared with others.
God’s good news does two things in your life.
- Your life becomes all about praising God.
- The good news about Jesus’ birth propels you out to share the story with others, just as the shepherds did. (Luke 2: 18)
The three attitudes that come with God’s presence through His good news:
- Faith in God’s promises.
- Care.
- Fearlessness and courage to face any uncomfortable situations.
Now, what do you have to do with this story?
Just like the shepherds in Luke 2, please share your story, which has become a part of God’s story. Do it with family and friends this week.
You can also do it by sharing this post with someone today as you wish them Merry Christmas.
Thank you for doing so!
This post is reflection based on a sermon delivered last Sunday. Actually, due to bad weather, the sermon was done on Facebook Live. Click below to take a listen.
