Messengers Part Two: December 22, 2009

TODAYS WORD FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 22

MESSENGERS
Part two

Defined by Webster:
One who bears a message

This is day two of Christmas week. As we prepare for the CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS on Christmas day, we will look today at the role of the SHEPHERDS that first Christmas.


GODS WORD

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shown around them, and they were greatly afraid. 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. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign unto you: You shall find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12.

WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE

Have you ever wondered why God chose to announce first to the shepherds that Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem? The shepherds were the poorest of the poor. They were uneducated, low class, smelly because they lived night after night in the fields and they were social and religious outcasts. Their one job was to make sure all of their sheep were cared for and none were ever lost.

We believe that Jesus was announced to the poor first because God wanted everyone to know that Jesus came to this earth to die for everyone --- the rich and the poor. He was born as a King and worshipped as a King but there are no “class” divisions in the sight of God.

The angel clearly stated to them not to fear, because they were literally scared to death seeing the angel come to them down from above. The angel also clearly stated to the shepherds that Jesus was born for all people, not just for them. The angel also gave them a sign as to how to know the baby was Jesus by saying that they would find Him wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

Take a minute now and think with us about some of the events of the miracle birth of Jesus. He was born of a virgin as prophesied by Isaiah some 700 years prior. He was born in the city of Bethlehem as was prophesied some 700 or more years prior by the prophet Micah. His birth was announced by angels. He was born poor, in a lowly manger and cared for in a feeding trough yet He was worshipped by Kings and wise men.

We have been to Bethlehem and have viewed the fields just outside of the city of Bethlehem. There are still shepherds there today. They still watch their flocks of sheep by night. When you stop to look at those shepherds and the fields where their flocks are roaming, you are struck by the reality that you are standing near the spot where the angel spoke to the shepherds.

As you prepare for your CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION this Christmas, do not forget the role of the shepherds even though they were the lowest of the low, God thought enough about them that He chose to announce the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to them. Jesus later in His life was known as the Great Shepherd and today He is caring for you every day and night whether you are in the fields or in your home.

THIS WEEKS VERSE TO MEMORIZE.

“GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL,
TOWARD MEN.” LUKE 2:14

TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER

As I prepare for Christmas day help me to be reminded that You sent Your Son to be born in a manger for me and my family. Give me the strength and drive today to live my life in a way that will honor the significance of Christmas to all that I see and meet.