Having spoken about the people to whom the angel appeared, lowly shepherds, he now speaks of the purpose of his appearance. His message consist of three parts- the introduction, the announcement, and the conclusion.
The first words were designed to comfort the shepherds. The angel said, “Fear not” because “they were sore afraid”. Had we been there he might have needed to say, “Arise” because some of us might have fainted at the sight. However, although our situation is much different there is a lesson here for us. Sometimes we are fearful and in need of this same message. Thankfully, through Christ, we can conquer all our fears and be at peace. But there is more–
The finest words were dedicated to the birth of Jesus – “For unto us is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord“. That’s exactly what the angel promised Mary (1:30-33). This goes all the way back to the time of Adam and Eve (Gen, 3:15), and was repeated by the prophets of old. Then having spoken of the Saviour he speaks of a sign – “..Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”( vs 12). There was nothing unusual about a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. It was being found in a manager that was the sign. Obviously God wanted them to be certain of the facts, and He wants the same for us. That’s why our sign is found in Him being born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14).
The final words were directed to praising God (vs. 13-14). What a sight that must have been. I’m not sure of exactly what they saw, but I know what they heard, – “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, good will toward men.” (vs. 13-14). Anyone who can think about the birth of Christ without praising God is out of touch with heaven. The very thought ought to thrill our heart, calm our fears, and cause us to praise God. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
