Encounter: Shepherds

Scripture: Luke 2:8-18 NIV

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 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 to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Prayer:

When you sent your Son to us, you could have chosen to announce him to monarchs or High Priests, welcomed by the powerful elite, and yet you sent your angel with the birth announcement to the shepherds. The first visitors to the Savior of the world were those who were often despised, who felt "less than," and lived on the margins of society. You came to us—broken and confused, poor in spirit, deprived and depraved, frustrated and misunderstood, unworthy and overwhelmed—and you brought us peace. As I stand in the gift of your immeasurable grace, make me aware of your humility that made it possible.

In my Savior’s name,

Amen.

Read all of 40 Days of Prayer at easter.crossings.church.