The Light of the universe appeared as a Star that all the world could see. Yet only a few saw it and followed. Then the Glory of God was poured on common men in daily duty. The night-keepers, simple sheep-like men, were encircled by a dazzling light alive with unearthly power.
And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flocks by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened.
Luke 2:8-9 AMP
Divine light came from God’s very presence with His exuberant announcement, sent by “an angel of the Lord.” The shepherds were completely terrified by such a blast of lightening jubilation bursting in on their soundless night!
But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!
Luke 2:10-11 AMP
The coming of the Son, heralded by heaven as news of joy for all, was obscure and unnoticed on earth, announced to only a chosen few. The world lay asleep in darkness before this unimagined event that had broken in to human history. God newborn! Squeezed into His own dreamed-up humanity.
While earth dozed in lazy ignorance, the celestial host extolled the Great Father-God in wondered worship. With unbounded delight that could not be contained, the heavens were exploding…
Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].
Luke 2:13-14 AMP
Messiah’s coming had been known and seen down through ages of gazing prophets. That He came as a babe, born like us all, in vulnerable human form – this was the long-held, wondrous plan of this Holy Child’s Abba Father.
Copyright © 2003 Martha Kilpatrick
The whole of Christ’s birth was filled with the scent of a loving “Father-Who-is-in-heaven”, being openly revealed to the poor of spirit, but opaque to the learned and wise.
The whole of Christ’s-story-on-earth is filled with the common of dust under the uncommon ways of the Holy Dove. That’s why it is so amazing to the poor of spirit… because it has life, meaning… and beyond!
It is true, Martha, what an amazing day the Day Heavens declared the Saviour was born! It is so beyond our understanding, and at the same time so strangenly related to our heart.
Love!!
Martha, thank you for these beautiful pictures of how much God loves us. Merry Christmas.