That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and they became very frightened. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.”
Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel, praising God and saying:
“Give glory to God in heaven,
and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God.”
When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:8-15 New Century Version NCV
Put yourself in this picture: a quiet night like any other. Then, suddenly, an angel! The glory of the Lord! Feel the thrill of … what? Excitement? Fear? Forget that you know how the story will end.
“Good news . . . great joy . . . to all people.” All people.” Think of it: all! Glory in heaven and peace on earth. This is the promise – and God keeps His promises.
This is the 3rd of the 4 songs recorded in Luke. None actually a song as we know it, but poetry and prophecy recorded for the ages. Here angels add their voices to Zechariah, Mary and, later, Simeon.
**********
Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and donkeys are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spears shall pierce him through, the cross he bore for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary.
**********
Is this how the shepherds felt? Is this how I feel?
**********
The first time I heard this song, I imagined that the angel chorus might have sounded something like this: