8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Bethlehem’s shepherds were known to care for the temple flock. These men may have also protected and cared for the lambs used in temple sacrifice.
As a class shepherds had a bad reputation. They were considered unreliable and were not allowed to give testimony in the law courts.
Many have said that a late December date is impossible, because shepherds would not have been out at night at that time of year.
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
It may be Gabriel, who had brought the tidings of the conception of the Messiah to the virgin, and now the birth of him came to the shepherds:
came upon them; on a sudden, unexpectedly, at once, and stood by them, as some versions read; or rather, stood over them, over their heads, just above them; so that he was easily and perfectly seen by them;
Interrupting this quiet, dark night was the shining presence of an angel and the glory of the Lord. This first angel brought good tidings (literally it means that they preached the gospel) to these shepherds, who were regarded as social outcasts.
A very glorious and extraordinary light shone with surprising lustre and brightness all around them; by which light, they could discern the illustrious form of the angel that was over them:
and they were sore afraid; at the sight of such a personage, and at such unusual light and glory about them: they were not used to such appearances, and were awed with the majesty of God, of which these were symbols, and were conscious to themselves of their own sinfulness and frailty.
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
And the angel said unto them; fear not
For he was not a messenger of bad, but of good tidings:
for behold, I bring you good tidings;
tidings, that were both wonderful and amazing, and therefore a “behold” is prefixed to them, as well as to excite to attention; and which were good news, and glad tidings, for such the birth of Christ of a virgin is: in which the good will and amazing love of God to man are displayed, and the promises, and prophecies relating to him fulfilled; and the work of man’s salvation, his peace, pardon, righteousness about to be accomplished, and so matter
of great joy:
not carnal, but spiritual; not feigned, but real; not temporary, but lasting; even such as cannot be taken away, nor intermeddled with; and not small, but great, even joy unspeakable, and full of glory:
Worldly peace comes and goes. It’s situational. But the birth of Christ brought a spiritual peace that would be everlasting.
which shall be to all people;
The salvation Jesus’ birth would make possible is open to all. There are no races, sexes, or social groups excluded. He came for all.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
In Luke 2:11, the phrase “unto you” emphasizes the personal nature of Jesus’ birth – it’s a message for everyone, including each one of us.
The mention of “the city of David” connects Jesus to the promised lineage of King David, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecies. Calling Jesus the “Savior” emphasizes His role in delivering humanity from sin, and proclaiming Him as “Christ the Lord” acknowledges His divine nature and authority as the awaited Messiah and Lord.
This verse encapsulates the profound significance of the Christmas story, conveying the message of hope, redemption, and the divine presence among us.
12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
In Luke 2:12, the narrative continues with the sign given to the shepherds: “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
Here, the simplicity of the sign contrasts with the grandeur of the occasion, highlighting the humility of Jesus’ birth. The use of a manger, a feeding trough for animals, underscores the modest and approachable nature of the Messiah’s entrance into the world.
This verse invites reflection on the unexpected ways in which God fulfills His promises and the accessibility of His love, reaching even the humblest and simplest parts of our lives.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill[e] toward men!”
After the single angel’s announcement, a whole group of angels appeared. This was a heavenly host (a band of soldiers) that proclaimed peace. The world needed then and needs now peace.
In Luke 2:13-14, it describes the heavenly response to the announcement of Jesus’ birth: This celestial choir emphasizes the magnitude of the moment and the divine significance of Christ’s arrival. The proclamation of “Glory to God in the highest” highlights the reverence and exaltation due to God for the gift of salvation through Jesus.
The mention of peace on earth signifies the transformative impact of Christ’s coming, bringing reconciliation between God and humanity. These verses encapsulate the awe-inspiring spectacle of the heavenly proclamation accompanying the birth of the Savior.
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
In Luke 2:15, after the angels share the exciting news, the shepherds decide to check it out. It’s like when you hear something cool is happening, and you’re curious to see it for yourself.
So, the shepherds say, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what’s going on, just like the angels told us!” It’s a bit like an adventure – they’re eager to find out more about this special event and see the baby the angels talked about.
16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
This verse highlights the shepherds’ eagerness to see the newborn Messiah. It’s like they hurried to meet Jesus, and when they did, they found Him just as the angels had described – lying in a manger, a humble and unexpected place for a King. The verse underscores the simplicity of the scene, emphasizing the accessibility of Jesus to all, regardless of social status.
17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
After the shepherds witness the newborn Jesus, they share the incredible news with others, saying, “And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.” It’s like when you discover something amazing, and you can’t help but tell everyone about it. This verse highlights the shepherds’ excitement and their eagerness to share the extraordinary message they received about the birth of the Savior. It emphasizes the natural response of sharing good news that has the potential to bring joy and hope to others.
We are to be like the shepherds by sharing the good news of the gospel. Just as they couldn’t contain their excitement about witnessing Jesus, we’re called to make known the message of hope and salvation found in Christ. Whether through our words, actions, or lifestyle, this verse prompts us to share the transformative impact of our faith with others, spreading the joy and love that comes from knowing Jesus. It’s an invitation to be proactive in sharing the profound and life-changing story of God’s grace and redemption with those around us.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
This verse captures the amazement and astonishment of those who heard the shepherds’ account of the angelic announcement and their encounter with Jesus. It’s like when something unbelievable happens, and people are left in awe.
The shepherds’ testimony about the extraordinary events surrounding Jesus’ birth sparked wonder and contemplation among those who heard it, emphasizing the profound impact of the message they shared.
19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
This verse offers a glimpse into Mary’s response after the shepherds shared their experiences. It’s like a moment of reflection and deep consideration. Mary, the mother of Jesus, takes in the extraordinary events surrounding her son’s birth, cherishing and contemplating the significance of each detail in her heart. This verse highlights Mary’s thoughtful and introspective nature, underscoring the weight of the miraculous events unfolding around the birth of Jesus.