Post #1 – As Reported From The Book Of Luke
BREAKING — Last night Bethlehem shepherds (the exact number in their group has not been confirmed) tending over their flocks while living out in nearby fields, were terrified by what appeared at first to be an unexplained brilliant light source. Upon closer inspection, the shepherds acknowledged the magnificent light source to be that of an angel of the Lord which appeared to them.
Angel offered comfort.
Amid the shepherds’ surprise, the angel is quoted as saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people…
Undoubtably, because the occurrence of an angel of the Lord is rare here on earth, the shepherds may have struggled with what they were seeing along with the statement made by the unknown angel. Regardless, the angel of the Lord continued sharing his message from God with the shepherds.
…Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord…
Messiah has been expected.
On a side note, through the prophet Isaiah, history reveals for approximately 700 years the Israelites have had knowledge of the promise God made to send the Messiah (promised deliverer of the Jews) to their nation:
For that reason, when the initial information was shared by the angel to the shepherds, experts consider the exchange to be Good News!
Savior’s description and location revealed.
However, additional information was made available when the angel of the Lord described the attire of the baby savior and the exact location:
…This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Army of angels.
No doubt still digesting the appearance of just one angel of the Lord, surely the shepherds had to then be thrilled and overcome with amazement when, as reported, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel.
Heavenly host are God’s holy angels who dwell in God’s holy presence. Host references a great number, which in turn evokes the image of an army. Unquestionably, the Bethlehem shepherds were in the awe-inspiring presence of God’s personal army of angels!
The army of angels, which presumably engulfed the entire outer fields of Bethlehem, was praising God and very audibly heard by the shepherds to say:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Shepherds spread news of Savior’s birth.
Following this angelic praise, eye witnesses report the angels left the sheep herding area and returned into heaven. A consensus was then formed among the shepherds and they put forth a clear and concise statement regarding what action they would take regarding the incident:
“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
True to their word, documentation reveals the shepherds hurried off and found the baby who was laying in a manger, just as the angel described. Also in attendance at the manger was the baby’s mother, Virgin Mary, and his earthly father, Joseph the carpenter from Galilee.
Anxious to share what they had seen with others, the shepherds spread the word concerning what the angels told them of this manger child. The shepherds report those who heard their massage were amazed.
Unable to stay away from their savior, official information makes clear the shepherds returned to the manger scene glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Lift Him Up 