The second Sunday in Advent is a time of anticipation. We are to stand firm in our faith in God, to be stable in our walk with God, and to be ready to meet God with eager anticipation.
I wonder if the shepherds were ready with hearts prepared when they heard the news of the birth of the Christ child. Were they expecting the Messiah to be born as a baby? Afterall, it seems so earthly – so common. Jesus’ birth was common like any other birth. Or was it?
Jesus was born of a virgin with no biological father. His Father is God making Jesus the Son of God and the Son of Man. Jesus’ birth was announced by angels to shepherds – not not even man’s royal proclamation to all the people, or some blurb on today’s social media could hold a candle to the angels’ announcement. His birth was prophesied centuries before with explicit details that happened precisely when, how, and where the birth of the King of kings was predicted.
People of all walks of life were filled with anticipation for the coming King. From shepherds to priests, to wise men from the east.
The sheep the shepherds were tending became insignificant when they heard first-hand that the Savior was born. It happened in a most magnificent manner. “Behold! An angel of the Lord stood before them, and God’s majestic presence, His glory shone 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 the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’
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!”
When the angels were gone, the shepherds made haste to go to Bethlehem. “The King was born in a stable?” “I thought He would be born in a palace.” “I thought the trumpet would sound, but angels are even better!” the shepherds huffed to one another, as they ran to see the Christ child.
They arrived at the stable and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe was lying in a manger. The shepherds became the first couriers of the good news! “Now when the shepherds had seen Him, they made known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
While the shepherds return to their flock glorifying and praising God, let us accompany them with singing.
O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared, and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices! O night devine! O night when Christ was born. O night, O holy night, O night devine.