And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:16 KJV

This passage from Luke’s gospel is about local shepherds who hurried to see the newborn Messiah lying in a manger in a barn in Bethlehem. Moments before they rushed off, a large group of angels visited them. The angels proclaimed glory to God and peace on earth for mankind. 

Before encountering the large heavenly host of angels, a single angel approached the shepherds. This heavenly being, described as the angel of the Lord, announced the birth of Christ Jesus. Luke 2:10-12 describes the event saying, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. KJV”

Christ Our Savior

Imagine the excitement of the shepherds as they hurriedly rushed off after witnessing such an usual occurrence. Think of the astonishment they experienced when they found the newborn child with Mary and Joseph as the angel of the Lord described them. What a glorious revelation given to the humble herdsmen. It is predictive of the common men and women called to the service of the Lord in the ministry of Christ our Savior.  

Luke’s gospel account reveals that it is the shepherds who found Jesus lying in a manger that spread the story of his birth among the populace. How fitting it is that angels and shepherds heralded the birth of the lamb of God? It is perfectly appropriate that God chose humble herdsmen, like the great King David of the Old Testament, to witness and testify to the coming of the newborn King of Kings. 

Yesterday’s Devotional: No Room for Them