by Dr. Al Hearne II 

Luke 2:8-14, "And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!'"

 

Shore Excursion 18 - How Does the Birth of Christ Fulfill God's Plan?

Luke 2:8-14 captures the moment when God broke through human space and time to announce the most significant event in human history: the birth of Jesus Christ. This passage is just one of several dozen historical documents referencing Jesus as a historical person. He is, in fact, better represented in the writings of antiquity than famous figures on the one hand, like Homer and Atilla the Hun, and on the other hand, like Buddha and Confucius. This announcement is not merely a historical record but a declaration of God's divine truth for salvation history.

God chose to announce the birth of his son not to kings, rulers, or influential people but to shepherds, members of the lowest social class who lived simple, humble lives. God's choice of shepherds demonstrates that the good news of Jesus Christ is for all people, regardless of status or position, because all people are made in the image of God regardless of their standing in human terms.  

The angel's announcement shows how Jesus fulfills several Old Testament prophecies. Jesus, born in the city of David (Micah 5:2), is declared to have three titles: Savior, Christ, and Lord (Kurios). Each title reveals a profound truth about His identity:

• Savior: Jesus is the deliverer and preserver of humanity, sent to rescue us from sin and death (Isaiah 43:11).
• Christ: As the anointed one, Jesu fulfills the promises of the Old Testament, bringing hope and restoration to a broken world (Isaiah 9:6-7).
• Lord: Jesus reigns with supreme authority, ruling over all creation as God incarnate (Phil. 2:9-11).

The angelic choir's response reflects the proper reaction to the birth of Christ: worship. They proclaim "Glory to God in the highest," acknowledging the majesty of God's work in sending His Son. They also declare "on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased," emphasizing that Jesus' arrival brings restoration, wholeness, and reconciliation between God and humanity (Romans 5:1).

 

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

Luke 2:8-14 invites us to reflect on the profound truth of Christ's birth and its relevance in our lives today. Like the shepherds, we are called to respond to the good news with awe, faith, and worship. Jesus' birth is the ultimate expression of God's love, grace, and faithfulness to his creation. It is also a reminder for us that all people are made in the image of God and should be treated as such. God chose to announce Jesus' birth to the lowest members of society because His salvation is for everyone who believes. His birth announcement serves as a reminder that salvation has nothing to do with human status and everything to do with faith! As believers, we must respond like the angelic choir with praise, worship, gratitude, and proclamation of God's glory.

 

Reflective Practice

How does the announcement of Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord to the lowest members of society shape your understanding of His identity and mission?

How can you respond to the good news of Christ's birth with worship and gratitude?

How can the peace and hope offered through Jesus' birth influence your interactions with others, especially during challenging times?

 

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, our Savior, Christ, and Lord. Thank You for breaking into human history to bring salvation to all people who believe. Help us to embrace the peace and joy that Jesus offers and to live in awe of Your faithfulness. May our lives reflect the glory of Your work, and may we boldly share the good news of Christ with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

[image, Jesus Birth Announcement, was created by DALL·E.]