Advent Sunday Devotion: The Shepherds – Glory to God

Shepherds – Glory to God (Luke 2:8-20)

Lowly shepherds guarding their sheep at night. Not just any sheep but their job was to watch over the temple sheep (the sacrificial sheep) for the forgiveness of sins (as noted from several references). Yet their job placed them as outcasts from the community.

But to God, they were His children and the perfect ones to tell the Good News. “An angel of the Lord” was sent by God to the shepherds to bring this wonderful news. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

God had promised a Messiah to come to save them (the world) and now the shepherds were hearing that His promise was fulfilled. They would find the baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger. This was the “good news that will cause great joy!”

With great joy comes a heart full of praise and glory to God. Not only did they hear from the Lord through an angel but “a great company of heavenly host” joined them praising God. “Glory to God in highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

“Let us go…” was their response to God’s presence in their lives. They had been chosen to witness the birth of their Savior. To be in the presence of the Messiah. What a precious announcement to be given! “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

There he was…the baby lying in a manger.

Everything the angel had told them was right there. The Messiah was here…now…right in front of them. The one they had been waiting for. Glory to God in the highest.

There was no stopping them now. “When they had seen him…”, when they had seen the Messiah, had seen Jesus, “they spread the word.” The good news that the Savior had come. The true Lamb of God. They shared all that they had been told about the child and all they had seen. They were the first witness to the good news. And “all who heard were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”

So many people were in Bethlehem for the census. What an opportunity to witness to so many! Their excitement was evident. Telling as many as would listen about what the angels told them about the child. “A Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” The people heard the good news and “were amazed”.

Their purpose in this moment in time was done. They received the angel of the Lord’s message, came to the presence of Jesus and witnessed to all who would hear about the Good News of the Messiah. Their lives were changed forever, and others were changed too. The Messiah had come.

The shepherds returned to their flock, the sacrificial lambs, knowing they had just met the Lamb of God. They were glorifying and praising God. Oh what a joy they had from being in the presence of God, in the form of the baby Jesus. Glory to God in the highest!

Have you heard from God about the Good News – Jesus, the Savior, is born in Bethlehem. He is the one – the Messiah. He is the Savior of all mankind. Your Savior if only you say yes, I’m in need of a Savior.

Come into His presence. Your life will be changed forever. The Good News of Jesus brings great joy.

For those who know Jesus as your Savior, be a shepherd today and share this Good News of what God has told you about this child.

Glory to God in the highest.

Lord God, thank you for loving me so much that you sent your only Son as my Savior that I might have new life in you. Thank you for the great joy that comes from knowing you. Glory to God in the highest.