In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11
“The angel remains anonymous since only the message matters. The shepherds’ great fear will be overcome by great joy, and that joy will extend to “all the people”…The announcement of good news was a term familiar to the ancient audience from Roman propaganda. It was used for the glad tidings related to the birth of an heir to the emperor, his coming of age, and his accession to the throne. The term will be completely redefined by the gospel story of Jesus…The juxtaposition of nominatives “Christ Lord” is striking and should be read as in apposition. The terms clarify that Jesus is not just another deliverer like one of the judges of Israel but the Savior.”
David E. Garland in Luke: Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids; Zondervan, 2011) 122-123.
Today marks the beginning of the third week of Advent. The theme this week is joy. Of course, I am joyful today because it’s my 48th birthday and our daughter, Sophie, returns home from her first semester at San Diego Christian College.
Bigger news, however, than any circumstance in my life is the event that would shape all of human history. The birth of the “Christ Lord” reflects the generosity of God to all people because the Savior is for everyone, everywhere!
We don’t often think of such a joy-filled message triggering a reaction of fear but consider the delivery. The shepherds were frightened because “the glory of the Lord” showed around them. The radiance rocked their world.
I marvel at the language of the message. Garland keenly notes how God “completely redefined” the meaning of good news: taking an idea even commoners would have understood linked to earthly emperors and affixes it to the new born Savior “for you.”
I can only imagine their reaction. “For us?” The shepherds believed and showed up at the stable, and their reality was “completely redefined” that day. Many people, however, can’t fathom that the Christ of Christmas can bring them joy. Know anyone like that? Let’s pray for them right now.
Hear our prayer Father. Please dispel the fear that holds people captive. Drive away the doubt and disbelief. Open their eyes to see that joy is only found in Jesus. Help all people realize that the Savior is for everyone. Do this we pray by your Holy Spirit. Amen.