“A Welcomed Message from Heaven”

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (Luke 2:11-12)

Having spoken of the birth of Jesus (vs.1-7), Luke now turns the narrative toward an event taking place out in the fields.  Shepherds were watching their flocks by night.  Among the Jews, shepherds were held in low esteem.  Thus, it seems fitting that God would choose this humble order to hear this wonderful announcement.  So just outside Bethlehem these lowly men are the audience of a heavenly host bringing good news from heaven.

The substance of this angelic message is that a Savior, Christ, the Lord has been born.  This is the Anointed One of whom the prophets spoke and who David prefigured.  He is the one sent from God to perform the mercy promised to the fathers and to fulfill God’s holy covenant.  He came to earth offering redemption from sin.  

Such wonderful news is the occasion of great joy.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:13-14)  These angels proclaimed a most thrilling thought: sinful man can be reconciled to a Holy God.  Paul later wrote:  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)  This marvelous possibility is offered to all men.

As a sign of validity the shepherds were told they would find the child lying in a manger. (vs.12)  This announcement prompted them to quickly investigate the evidence. (Luke 2:15-17)  There in Bethlehem they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus.  The gospel of Christ contains incredible claims backed by incredible evidence.  (John 20:30,31)

Having seen the child and being convinced of his identity, they anxiously shared the news with others.  It is one of man’s highest honors to impart God’s message of salvation with lost souls.  Those who need and have found the Savior are the only ones adapted to proclaim Him to the world.  Christ, the Lord must be the Lord of our lives.  Only in Him is abiding peace and great joy.

By George Slover

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