“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:12-18
“It was customary in the Roman Empire for poets and orators to declare peace and prosperity at the birth of one who was to become emperor. In that familiar pattern, but from heaven, comes the good news of joy and peace occasioned by the birth, not of an emperor, but of him called Savior, Christ, and Lord.
And not in palace halls but in the fields to the poor and lowly, the news comes…First, the sign: one would expect that the sign to the frightened shepherds would be some extraordinary proof. For example, as a sign a heavenly host will now appear. Instead, the sign is as common as another baby born to the poor, to be found in a feeding trough.
Second, it is from the shepherds that Mary and Joseph hear of the angel and the heavenly host. These two, busy with the chores of childbirth under the most difficult of conditions, do not themselves experience heaven’s visit but heart of it from the shepherds. How unusual! But theirs is the baby, and that is enough…The stable is bare, but the glory of God floods the story.”
Fred B. Craddock in Luke: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009) 35-36.
The joy of Advent is contagious. Look at the lowly shepherds. They hear the news from the heavenly host and head not to a palace but straight to the stable to visit the poor couple. They find Mary and Joseph with the baby wrapped in rags and they tell them everything they had seen and heard.
Are we as enthusiastic today? If our joy is diminished at all, the text offers the remedy for restoring our joy. Reflect on the proclamation that came with the sign: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Only God can bring peace and it comes not with a sword and power but in grace and humility. Anyone, on whom God’s grace (that is, “his favor”) rests, finds peace.
Do you know someone who lacks peace or whose life is filled with sorrow? Like the lowly shepherds, since you have experienced God’s favor, His grace, your privilege is to share the joy with others. Share generously.