Countdown to Christmas – Day 16

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Luke 2:8-21

While sheep were nestled into soft grasses, the dark of night a cloak over their wool, shepherds gathered amongst the evening noises watching over their flocks. The bible tells us an army of sorts appeared with an angel to these unsuspecting fellows in the fields. And laced within the words of this heavenly host was a promise given by God- the Creator of the heavens and earth.

Peace would be given to those whom Christ’s favour rests. Peace, the knowing that no matter the situation or circumstance, no matter the condition or chaos of our world, no matter our emotions or struggle, because we have put our faith in Christ alone and are obedient to Him we have His favour upon us.

When the shepherds encountered the child they encountered His mother as well. Her body racked with exhaustion and soreness, a child just born from her loins. She listened to these shepherds as they professed the truths spoken from an angel. The scriptures tell us that she pondered their words treasuring them in her heart- her heart a storehouse for precious things. The words of the angel weighed heavily upon Mary. She could not have known how the Lord’s will for this child would unfold, but she chose to receive the words in faith.

And we too must receive God’s promises in faith. We too must ponder allowing them to weigh heavily upon our heart and soul treasuring them so we may be ready for the unfolding of His plans and purpose. And praise Him. Praise the come Messiah, amazed at all He has already done in our life.

Father, may I treasure your promises holding tight to your word and way. When I am tempted to waver, my wayward heart struggling with the world, give me your peace blessing my life with your favour. In Jesus name, amen.