Luke 2:8-20. [8] And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. [10] 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. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." [13] And suddenly there was 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 those with whom he is pleased!" [15] When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." [16] And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. [17] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. [18] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. [20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (ESV)
It's the Sunday before Christmas. For some, after yet another year overrun with expansive sorrow, the thought of ‘Christmas cheer’ rings hollow. Some have worked themselves to physiological burnout while others languish in a vacuum of inactivity because their vocation has shrivelled away to nothing. The vast majority have spent more time isolated in our homes than we could have dreamt possible. And maybe even, some have stopped caring. We find ourselves alone with the sorrows that the year has layered on. Alone can be lonely but the spaces between us have also served as an artificial buffer to some of the pains. And now we come to the celebration of Christmas and wonder “How?”
It is to this situation where we find In Luke 2 of the message of the angel to a group of bewildered shepherds on a hill outside Bethlehem, “I bring you good news of great joy” (Lk 2:10), which seems to promise more than we can believe possible. The reason why for many it seems so impossible to have such joy now, as one writer put it “we’ve been crushingly stunned by impassioned responses to events outside of our control – the events alone have been hard, but the responses of those over us and those we love and share life with have, at times, been heart breaking. Brothers (and sisters) have faltered in their ability or even willingness to live together in unity (Ps 133:1). (https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/article/celebrations-in-the-valley-navigating-christmas-with-a-heavy-heart/#_ftn1)
Christmas isn’t welcome when it glibly promises cozy togetherness and prepackaged joy that it can’t deliver. (That’s why our Advent reflections this year have been so hard). Parties and bright lights cannot dismiss the darkness of crisis, trauma, pain, and death. And yet God sent the Light of the World into such darkness. All around there was oppression, sickness, and suffering. Christmas wasn’t welcomed then either. It was shunted into the dark corner of a dank stable... Christmas came amid pain and poverty, loss and loneliness. (Lenzkes, Susan, “When Life Takes What Matters”, Discovery House Publishers, Jan 1993)
Right now our temptation may be to sidestep considering Christmas or to simply endure it. But Jesus’ coming is Good News of Great Joy for all people. Although this story is one of the most familiar in human history, there are four great surprise reactions to it 1) First, in verse 8 of Luke 2 we see that some have spent their lives with joy in watching for this event (Luke 2:8). 2) some have joy in wonder, (Luke 2:9-14) 3) some respond with joy in worship (Luke 2:15-16) and finally 4) some told others of this amazing event and expressed Joy in Witness (Luke 2:17-20).
Jesus’ coming is Good News of Great Joy for all people which can be expressed through: 1) Joy in Watching (Luke 2:8)
Luke 2:8 [8] And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (ESV)
Shepherds in an agrarian society may have small landholdings, but these would be inadequate to meet the demands of their own families, the needs of their own agricultural pursuits, and the burden of taxation. As a result, they might hire themselves out to work for wages. They were, then, peasants, located toward the bottom of the scale of power and privilege These shepherds were encamped in the open field, by turns keeping watch over their flock. During the day these animals were out on the grass. In the evening they could, when necessary, be led into crude shelters, pens, or sheepfolds, to protect them against inclement weather, wild beasts, and thieves. Those men who needed sleep could retire to a hut made of branches. The actual work of keeping watch over the sheep was done “by turns,” some resting while others watched. (Green, J. B. (1997). The Gospel of Luke. The New International Commentary on the New Testament (130). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.).
Does the presence of these sheep in the fields mean that Jesus cannot have been born in the month of December? Bethlehem was nearby Jerusalem, and many of the sheep used in the temple sacrifices came from there. The surrounding hills were prime grazing land, and shepherds worked in the area day and night, all year round. Therefore, it is not possible to draw any conclusion about the time of year by the fact that shepherds were living out in the fields (MacArthur, J. J. (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Lk 2:8). Nashville: Word Pub.). One should not romanticize the occupation of shepherds. In general shepherds were unclean according to the standards of the law. They represent the outcasts and sinners for whom Jesus came. Such outcasts were the first recipients of the good news (Stein, R. H. (2001). Vol. 24: Luke (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (108). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.).
Please turn back to Jeremiah
As the recipients of a divine visitation, these shepherds are highly esteemed in the world of the birth narrative. This is not an esteem shared by the rulers of 2:1–2; their power is relativized and they receive no news of this divine intervention. Good news comes to peasants, not rulers; the lowly are lifted up (Green, J. B. (1997). The Gospel of Luke. The New International Commentary on the New Testament (131). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.)
Distinguished from the false shepherds over Israel, God will raise up true shepherds that would care for His flock like the shepherds of these fields. Jeremiah explains:
Jeremiah 23:1–6. “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the LORD. 2 Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: “You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for your evil deeds, declares the LORD. 3 Then I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. 4 I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD. 5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’ (ESV)
• God rescues his people from danger—including the danger to which their own sin has subjected them—and fosters for them the conditions in which faithful life can flourish. The predictions of a coming king, part of the larger complex of messianic expectations, were seen by the NT authors as fulfilled in Jesus (Matt. 2:2; Luke 1:32; 19:38; John 1:49). The “Branch,” alluding to Isa. 11:1, is the Messiah in the line of David (see Zech. 6:12; John 15:1–17). (Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1415). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.)
Poem: ("Would We Know?") Rebecca Barlow Jordan wrote: “If we had been the shepherd some night long ago, I wonder if we’d recognize the star or if we’d know
the reason for His birth and if we’d really go to worship at the manger. I wonder, would we know? Is it really any different than if Jesus came today? I wonder, would we recognize His face in any way? Or would we turn away from Him not knowing what to say? If Jesus walked among us in our hurried, busy pace, I wonder if this stranger would really find a place?” (Galaxie Software. (2002; 2002). 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press)
Jesus’ coming is Good News of Great Joy for all people which can be expressed through: 2) Joy in Wonder (Luke 2:9-14)
Luke 2:9-14. [9] And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. [10] 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. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." [13] And suddenly there was 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 those with whom he is pleased!" (ESV)
With dramatic swiftness, one moment, the shepherds are watching their sheep and then all of a sudden an angel of the Lord, holy, strong, brilliant, stood by them. They had not seen him come. The angel is not identified, but in light of his earlier appearances to Zacharias and Mary, it may have been Gabriel. Adding immeasurably to the shepherds’ shock and terror at the angel’s unexpected appearance, the glory of the Lord blazed forth out of the darkness and shone around them. The glory of the Lord is the heavenly brightness, rightly regarded as the manifestation of God’s presence and power—flashed all around them. Lord willing next week we will link the first and second comings of Christ. The next visible manifestation of God’s glory to the world will be at the second coming, when “the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and … all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30). Heaven will be lit by the all-pervasive glory of God throughout eternity (Rev. 21:10–11, 23). (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2009). Luke 1–5 (p. 156-7). Chicago: Moody Publishers.)
The exhortation in Luke 2:10 fear not/Do not/stop being frightened/afraid is a PRESENT IMPERATIVE with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE, which usually means to stop an act already in process (Utley, R. J. D. (2004). Vol. Volume 3A: The Gospel According to Luke. Study Guide Commentary Series (Lk 2:10). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.).
This is because the angel brought the good news is that of the “evangel,” the gospel. (cf. 1:19; 3:18; 4:18, 43; 7:22; 8:1; 9:6; 16:16; 20:1). This was the good news of salvation through Christ (cf. to evangelize). This was also “of great joy.” for what greater joy could there be than the realization and wholehearted acceptance of the fact that God himself, through the sacrifice of His one and only Son, had brought about the solution of the world’s greatest problem, that of sin? The Son’s incarnation is the of the solution to this problem. There are shallow imitations of this “Great joy.” Entertainment, distraction, amusement or laughter, in one measure or another are found in many places throughout the world. But great joy, the “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (I Peter 1:8) is the portion of God’s children, of them alone. This joy is deeply rooted. It satisfies, lasts, and even keeps on increasing, to God’s glory. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2009). Luke 1–5 (p. 158). Chicago: Moody Publishers.)
• Think for a moment why so many people are miserable right now. They sought their ultimate meaning and satisfaction in human relationships, work, entertainment and a myriad of other distractions. Although a most difficult lesson to learn, the realization of that these do not provide ultimate meaning and satisfaction means the crashing down of the secular worldview. God has come into this world bringing Good News of Great Joy through the sending of His son that our lives may we can have the ultimate, perfect, most fulfilling and satisfying great joy that only He can provide.
This was “for all the people,” that is, all regardless of nationality, age, wealth, fame, social position, sex, education, etc. This was the promise of Genesis 3:15; 12:3; Exod. 19:5–6; and of the eighth century prophets. This is the mystery hidden in ages past, but now fully revealed in Christ (cf. Eph. 2:11–3:13). This good news even reaches to outcast shepherds (and by implication to Luke’s Gentile readers)! (Utley, R. J. D. (2004). Vol. Volume 3A: The Gospel According to Luke. Study Guide Commentary Series (Lk 2:10). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.)
• You may find yourself in such a situation that you don’t feel you deserve forgiveness, or it’s too late that you’ve made so many mistakes, or these events are just for those who deserve it. The beautiful message of the Good News of Great Joy is that this is for all the people. You are not too sinful, too old, too removed from these circumstance that this doesn’t apply to you. This offer of great joy is for you if you would but take it.
The birth mentioned in Luke 2:11 this day in the city/town of David …” Since the Jews begin the day with sunset, “this day” means this very night, only a little while ago (Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation of St. Luke's Gospel (130). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.).
In Old Testament usage Jerusalem, not Bethlehem, is the “city of David” (e.g 2 Sam 5:7, 9), but Bethlehem is the city of David’s origin (1 Sam 16; 17:12; 20:6), and more importantly Bethlehem is connected in Micah 5:2 to the messianic fulfillment of God’s covenant with David’s royal line (cf at 1:32). Bethlehem is about five miles from Jerusalem and eighty-five miles from Nazareth. This is as if to say, “long ago promised, promised, promised … now finally born: the promise has been fulfilled.” (Nolland, J. (2002). Vol. 35A: Word Biblical Commentary : Luke 1:1-9:20. Word Biblical Commentary (111). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.).
The angel completed his message in Luke 8:12 by giving the shepherds a sign. The future tense “you will find” takes for granted that the shepherds will seek this most wonderful babe in David’s city and assures them of their finding it. This would help them recognize the baby, but it would also attest the truth of the angel’s words. (Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation of St. Luke's Gospel (132). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.).
In Bethlehem that night there might be one or two babies wrapped in swaddling cloths, but surely only one lying in a manger. The cloths in which Jesus was wrapped were commonly referred to as “swaddling cloths.” These were bandages that were tightly wrapped around a newborn child to hold its legs and arms still. (Morris, L. (1988). Vol. 3: Luke: An introduction and commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (102). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.).
A manger is a feeding trough used for cattle, sheep, donkeys, or horses. Archaeologists have discovered stone mangers in the horse stables of Ahab at Megiddo. They were cut out of limestone and were approximately three feet long, eighteen inches wide, and two feet deep. Other ancient mangers were made of masonry. Many Palestinian homes consisted of one large room that contained an elevated section and a lower section. The elevated section was the family’s living quarters, while the lower section housed the family’s animals. Usually a manger, in the form of a masonry box or a stone niche, was located in the lower section. Mangers were also put in cave stables or other stalls. The manger referred to in our text-verse may have been in a cave stable or other shelter (Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (Rev. ed.].) (499–500). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers.).
The one they are to seek out is the “Savior who is Christ the Lord.” He is described this way in Luke in order to place all the emphasis on the saving work of Jesus. In all the Synoptic Gospels this is the only place in which Jesus is called Savior. This Savior, moreover, is here introduced as the Christ, that is, the Messiah or Anointed One. He is the One anointed by the Holy Spirit to be his people’s Great Prophet, Sympathetic Highpriest, and Eternal King. The Jews expected that one day God would send a very special deliverer. He would be not simply ‘an’ anointed, but ‘the’ anointed, the Messiah. It is this one whom the angel announces (Morris, L. (1988). Vol. 3: Luke: An introduction and commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (102). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.). "Lord" in the Greek (is often) used to translate the covenant name of God, ... a title of deity (MacArthur, J. J. (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Lk 2:11). Nashville: Word Pub.).
In Luke 2:13 we see the appearance of a multitude of heavenly host. We can here see what Jesus meant when he said that at his word twelve legions of angels (about 120, 000) would come to his aid. ?????t?? and ?e???t?? are plurals and modify the singular st?at???. The multitude “army” is a collective (Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation of St. Luke's Gospel (133). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.). Revelation 5:11 suggests that the number of the angelic host may be too large for the human mind to fathom (MacArthur, J. J. (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Lk 2:13). Nashville: Word Pub.) The poet Milton imagined them in serried ranks: The helmed cherubim And sworded seraphim, In glittering ranks with wings displayed.…The stars with deep amaze Stand fixed in steadfast gaze. (John Milton, “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity” (XI, 12–14; 69–70; VI, 69–70).). These angels, having been associated with Christ in heaven before his incarnation, knew something about his glory, riches, and majesty (Isa. 6:1–4; John 12:41). They had also become aware of humanity’s fall. They had been informed that God had provided a way of salvation for His people. Gabriel’s announcement to Joseph—“You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21)—clearly implies this. Yet this very love probably included among “the things which angels desire to look into” (I Peter 1:12), but cannot fully comprehend? This “Host” is a military term, and it is remarkable that an army should announce peace (v. 14) (Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version (Lk 2:13). Nashville: T. Nelson.).
Although the possibility must be allowed that these words were sung or chanted, is this the best explanation? Whether literally song or not, the words of Luke 2:14 are above all else an outpouring of adoration. One might perhaps say that, having become informed about the Savior’s birth, a birth under such circumstances and with such a self-sacrificing purpose, these angels never before had been so thrilled! No wonder, therefore, that from the bottom of their hearts they shout: Glory to God in the Highest!
Here the “highest” refers to the highest heavens (cf. 19:38), not to the highest degree (Stein, R. H. (2001). Vol. 24: Luke (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (109). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
Please turn to John 14
The Angleic hosts proclaim that all creation shall praise God. They realize that this very Jesus, through the accomplishment of the task which the Father gave him to do, brings peace (John 14:27). The angels are not glorying in humanity and our merits but in God and his grace (Matt. 11:26; Luke 10:21; Eph. 1:4, 5, 9.). Christ did not come because we so deserve the highest praise, but the one who does, showered His highest blessing upon us in order that we have peace. That peace not to be taken as a universal declaration of peace toward all humanity. Rather, peace with God is a consequence of justification (MacArthur, J. J. (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Lk 2:14). Nashville: Word Pub.).
• It is (a) reconciliation between God and man; (b) the believer’s serene assurance that he has a share in this reconciliation. (Rom. 5:1, 2; II Cor. 5:18–21). The more people sincerely praise God for the salvation he has brought about, the more also they possess this peace.
John recorded Christ’s words in John 14 about this peace and what it brings:
John 14:25-27. 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (ESV)
• The world is so troubled and afraid right now because they are not at peace with God. The coming of Christ is nothing more than a myth to them. Therefore, God has given them up to fear that they may see that there is no peace apart from Christ. Believers who are not at peace have forgotten what Christ has said. For a season they have sought security from the passing things of this world and are now disappointed. The Holy Spirit resides in the believer to bring the truths of God unto our remembrance. As that is the basis of our faith, then we can be at peace in a world that has no peace.
Back in Luke 2:14, this is all explained, for Luke specifies that this peace is “For those whom God is pleased” which focuses on His sovereign delight. True and lasting peace is the portion of those, and only of those, whom God has graciously chosen (Isa. 26:3, 12; 32:17; 48:22 (= 57:21); Hag. 2:9; Zech. 9:10; Luke 1:78, 79; John 14:27; 16:33; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14, 17; Col. 1:20). The entire work of salvation, from start to finish, must be ascribed to him alone (Ps. 32:1; 89:33, 34; 115:1; Ezek. 20:14; Dan. 9:19; John 6:44; 15:16; Eph. 1:4; Rev. 5:9–14; 15:3, 4). Isaiah makes clear in Isaiah 48:22 "There is no peace," says the LORD, "for the wicked." (ESV). In order for there to be peace enjoyed from the one who has come bringing Good News of Great Joy, there must be repentance of sin. It is only the forgiveness of the sin from God that stems from such repentance that anyone will be at peace. The ongoing unease and lack of peace is a bullhorn, urgently calling for repentance in order to have peace. “No Christ. No Peace. Know Christ. Know Peace”. Salvation peace belongs to those to whom God is pleased to give it; it is not a reward for those who have good will, but a gracious gift to those who are the objects of God’s good will (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2009). Luke 1–5 (p. 161). Chicago: Moody Publishers.).
Illustration: "If Only It Could Last"
World War I was characterized by trench warfare. Often the trenches of the two enemies were only a few yards apart. On one Christmas Day the officers on both sides in one trench sector agreed that they would permit the soldiers to come out of the trenches for Christmas fellowship. The troops gladly did so. After a short time, the officers ordered them back into their trenches. They realized that the soldiers could not fellowship together one day and then suddenly be enemies again. These words were written many years ago: “Thus we can always know that men could live with goodwill and understanding for each other, because one day in each year the little Divine Prince of Peace still compels them to do it.” (Hobbs, H. H. (1990). My favorite illustrations (48). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.)
Jesus’ coming is Good News of Great Joy for all people which can be expressed through: 3) Joy in Worship (Luke 2:15-16)
Luke 2:15-16. [15] When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." [16] And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. (ESV)
For the shepherds, their response to one another “Let us go over to” probably implies that these men had to cover an appreciable distance in order to reach Bethlehem. Understandably, they wanted to get to Bethlehem as soon as possible. But since they were responsible for the sheep under their care, they could not just drop everything and leave. Either some of them had to remain with the sheep, or they had to find other shepherds to watch over them. As soon as those details were worked out, the shepherds went at once to Bethlehem. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2009). Luke 1–5 (p. 162). Chicago: Moody Publishers.).
• This logistical detail is so helpful for us. This time of year, can be the most complicated to work out. There are so many details of presents, events, family and so much more, that the reality of the coming of Christ can be easily crowded out. But the shepherd’s response acknowledges the reality of earthly responsibility while pursuing of primary importance the focus on the ultimate priority of seeking and worshipping God.
Please turn to Matthew 11
Fully realizing that it was God himself who, through his angels, had spoken to them, verse 16 says that they went with haste/left immediately. By the use of the imperfect tense Luke shows very graphically that these devout men never hesitated. This was something that had to be found. The traditional site of the field where the shepherds were watching their sheep is about two miles from Bethlehem. Luke does not describe how the shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. However, there would not have been many babies born in a small village like Bethlehem on any given night. Certainly, news of any birth would have spread rapidly by word of mouth, especially since Mary gave birth in a semipublic place (cf. v. 7). When the shepherds saw the Child as He lay in the manger, the angel’s prophecy was confirmed and their faith verified.The shepherds’ seeking out Mary, Joseph, and Jesus illustrates the next step in the salvation process. Those who truly believe the revelation of God in Christ will come to Him. They will accept His invitation, and they will begin the process of looking at events in the world from a biblical worldview. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2009). Luke 1–5 (pp. 162–163). Chicago: Moody Publishers).
In Matthew 11, Jesus explains what it means for us to come to the one who has come to us. He invites:
Matthew 11:27-30. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (ESV) (cf. John 5:40; 6:37, 44; 7:37).
• It seems like under the world system we are in a continual loop of crisis, worry and despair. People are heavy laden in worry and restless because they have been seeking security and rest in places that only appear to offer it. The great paradox of coming to Christ is that the moment we admit that we don’t have the power over our own lives and the ability to solve our ultimate problems, When we come to Him in faith, we gain His rest and He promises to unburden us from what crushes us in worry.
Illustration: Stay in Tune
Ted Malone, whose radio show came on early in the morning, told of the Idaho shepherd who wrote: “Will you, on your broadcast, strike the note ‘A’? I’m a sheepherder way out here on a ranch, far away from a piano. The only comfort I have is my old violin. It’s all out of tune. Would you strike ‘A’ so that I might get in tune?” Malone honored the request. Later he received a “thank-you” note from the distant shepherd saying, “Now I’m in tune.” One of the purposes and responsibilities of personal and public worship is to enable the aspirant to keep tuned to the Great Shepherd. One of the joys of the Christian life is to help others recapture the missing note! (Jones, G. C. (1986). 1000 illustrations for preaching and teaching (p. 381). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
Finally, Jesus’ coming is Good News of Great Joy for all people which can be expressed through: 4) Joy in Witness (Luke 2:17-20)
Luke 2:17-20. [17] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. [18] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. [20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (ESV)
The angels’ appearance to the shepherds and their conversation with Mary and Joseph made the shepherds privy to information no one else had. Their enthusiastic response was that they make known the saying/statement that had been told them concerning/about this Child. They went everywhere proclaiming the news that the Savior, Israel’s long-awaited Messiah, had been born. The shepherds thus became the first New Testament evangelists. Once they had heard, believed, and acted on the truth, the shepherds could not help but tell others about it. Their witness to the good news they had received reveals something else that happens in the life of a newborn soul. The response of those who come to Christ is to tell others about Him. Usually, the most bold and passionate people in proclaiming the gospel are the newest Christians; the longer people are saved, the less excited they seem about their salvation, and the less eager they are to share their faith. But true spiritual commitment is determined by the quality and tenacity of believers’ long-term joy over their salvation. One measure of that joy is how eagerly they share the gospel. Lack of the zeal and passion that compels believers to tell others about Christ betrays a sinful heart of indifference and ingratitude. (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2009). Luke 1–5 (p. 163). Chicago: Moody Publishers).
• Christmas time is a great opportunity as we get together with family and friends to testify to what God has been doing in our lives. The world is grumpy and fearful. This is a great time to testify with both our words and our actions of the Good News of Great Joy when we can report and show what God is doing in our lives.
The Shepherds felt compelled to relate their marvelous experience: how first one angel had addressed them, exactly what it was he had said about the child, and the sign he had given them; how that first angel had been followed by an entire army of angels, and what this heavenly host had joyfully proclaimed. These men hid nothing. They told their story to Mary and Joseph, and to many others besides (note in verse 18: “and all who heard what the shepherds told them,” etc.). Witness is the vehicle that the Lord uses still to this day in proclamation of the Good News of Great Joy: As the Psalmist declares: Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble (ESV). All who heard of the events of Jesus’ birth wondered. There is a mixture of amazement and pondering at work in considering the surprising events here (Biblical Studies Press. (2006). The NET Bible First Edition Notes (Lk 2:18). Biblical Studies Press.)
• So thoroughly convinced were these men of the truth of their story, and so sure were they of its importance, that they were willing to risk disbelief and even ridicule.
Now amazement is fine, but it should lead to something better; as, for example, in the case of Mary in Luke 2:19. Mary treasured this report. The idea in the participle is that of throwing things together, comparing, letting one explain and add to another (contemplating). We catch a glimpse of the depth of Mary’s character, it was calm and deep, spiritually receptive and strong, steady and persevering in grace. The Greek conceives the heart as being the seat not merely of the emotions but of the entire personality, will, mind, and emotions. (“She was putting them all together in her heart/mind”(Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation of St. Luke's Gospel (138–139). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.)
And as to the shepherds? Their story too ends climactically in Luke 2:20. These men, upon returning, showed that they had not been offended by the low estate of Joseph and Mary. They did not shrink back from acknowledging the child in the manger as being indeed “a Savior, Christ the Lord.” In fact, their faith was even strengthened when they reflected on the fact that they had found everything to be exactly as they had been told. Instead of complaining, they were glorifying and praising God. When the angels proclaimed the benefits of Jesus’ lordship, they stated both “glory to God” and ““peace for those whom God is pleased””—one proclamation, heralding a dual benefit of Messiah’s birth. That is good news of a great joy. (Talbert, C. H. (2002). Reading Luke: a literary and theological commentary on the third Gospel (Rev. ed., p. 36). Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys Publishing.)
(Format note: Some base commentary from Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 11: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke. New Testament Commentary (149–163). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.)
