In this passage, we witness the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds and their subsequent response. It begins with the angel revealing a sign to the shepherds, a sign that would guide them to the Messiah: a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough. This sign signifies the humble and miraculous nature of Jesus' birth.
Following this revelation, a remarkable event unfolds as the multitude of heavenly angels join in praising God. Their proclamation is a declaration of glory to God in the highest and an announcement of peace and goodwill toward mankind. The arrival of Jesus, the Savior, brings reconciliation between God and humanity, ushering in an era of peace and extending God's loving favor to all people.
The awe-inspiring scene of the angelic host praising God reflects the significance and joy surrounding Jesus' birth. The angels' worship and proclamation convey the heavenly recognition of this momentous event, the coming of the long-awaited Messiah who would bring salvation to the world.
After the angels return to the heavens, the shepherds are left filled with wonder and anticipation. They immediately respond to the angel's message, saying to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." Their hearts are stirred, and they are compelled to witness the fulfillment of the divine revelation they have received.
The shepherds' response is marked by a sense of urgency and excitement. They recognize that something extraordinary has taken place, and they are eager to see it with their own eyes. They demonstrate faith in action as they embrace the opportunity to be part of God's unfolding plan of redemption.
The shepherds' decision to go to Bethlehem reflects their willingness to actively seek and engage with the revelation they have received. They demonstrate trust in the message from the Lord and a desire to participate in the unfolding of His divine purposes. Their response models for us the importance of responding to God's revelation with faith and obedience.
Furthermore, the shepherds' response exemplifies a humble and expectant posture before God. As lowly shepherds, they are recipients of divine favor and grace. Their inclusion in this significant event highlights God's choice to reveal Himself and His salvation to the marginalized and the humble.
The shepherds' example challenges us to respond to God's revelation in our lives with a similar sense of urgency, excitement, and faith. We are called to actively seek Jesus, to pursue Him with a heart filled with anticipation, and to engage with His redemptive work.
The message of Luke 2:12-15 is relevant and inspiring for us today. It reminds us of the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth, the joy and peace He brings, and the invitation to participate in God's plan of salvation. We are encouraged to embrace the revelation of God's love and grace, to respond with faith and obedience, and to share the good news of Jesus with others.
In conclusion, Luke 2:12-15 captures the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds and their immediate response. The sign of the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes in a humble manger, the multitude of heavenly angels praising God, and the shepherds' eager journey to Bethlehem all highlight the extraordinary nature of Jesus' arrival and the invitation for all humanity to encounter Him. May we, like the shepherds, respond with faith, awe, and a willingness to embrace the revelation of Jesus, the Savior who brings peace and goodwill to all.
Luke 2:12-15. This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.” Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.” When the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”