Luke 2:6-20 - Reaching to the "lowest"
Scripture:
Luke 2:6-20
6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
NASU
Thoughts:
Here is the familiar account of Christ's birth. There is so much in these verses, but just focusing on the shepherds' role in it.
There may be more to say concerning the shepherds being called as witnesses (verses 10-12) to His birth, but it is inspiring to see that from the moment Christ's time on Earth began, He was reaching out to those the world considers lowly. Although many of the heroes of the Old Testament were shepherds, by this time, they had lost any respected status and were considered to be at the bottom of their society. And yet they were chosen to be the first to see Him, other than Mary and Joseph.
Most people at this time would not have wanted to associate with the shepherds, and yet God chose them to witness Christ's birth. Looking at our world today, who might God choose to be these first witnesses? Are these people He might choose, ones that we wouldn't want to associate with? Would we even greet them as we passed by?
God's love reaches out to everyone, regardless of their social status or appearance. This love has been received by all of us who have accepted Christ as Savior, and should be evident in us. Can others see it?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your love that looks beyond stereotypes and stigmas. You look beyond the exterior to our hearts.
Thank You that You loved me when no one else could, and You continue to. I'm not worthy of Your love, forgive me for the times I feel that I am!
And Lord, give me Your love for other people, especially for those outcast by society, today.
Amen
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