Luke 2:8-12
KJV 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
MSTC 8 And there were in the same region shepherds abiding in the field, and watching their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord stood hard by them, and the brightness of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. 10 But the angel said unto them, "Be not afraid: For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, that shall come to all the people: 11 for unto you is born this day in the city of David a saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And take this for a sign: ye shall find the child swaddled, and laid in a manger."
These are my thoughts, please share yours.
8 It was common to find shepherds in the field, shepherds would stay with their sheep to protect them or if they had to does something hire someone to watch them. Most animals that would attack the sheep would come by night, they may have came together so this could take turns watching so they could sleep but know their sheep was safe.
9 This would have gotten their attention. Angles did not make visits at this time. To have an angel visit someone is uncommon as uncommon then as is now. Until then angels had only appeared to certain people that hold great value in the Faith men like Abraham and Jacob and others not men who is not even named, this shows that Jesus came for us little people as well. Angels are often feared.
10 common opening line from an angel, if we are in fear we may not be able to hear the message. Jesus is the good news. Jesus came not just for the people of Jerusalem not just for people then but for all. No greater birth has ever happened.
11 Jesus would save the world thru His death, Jesus was the Messiah, Christ. The one who was promised, the one the prophets spoke about coming. The Messiah was to be born in this city, Jerusalem.
12 It would not have been uncommon to find a baby in such clothes but to find a baby in a feeding trough would have been very rare. This showed a humble birth for someone who was very important. Jesus was king but was not born in a way kings would be born. This shows that Christ came as a servant, He will return as King marching to war but this was not what He came for the first time, He came to be a servant, the Redeemer, Savior.
Better to be a servant of the King than to be a king in hell.
