The Shepherds and the Angels

^"8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'

 ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 
 ^14'Glory to God in the highest, 
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'

 ¹⁵When 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.'

 ¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

-Luke 2:8-20 (NIV)

As this holiday season comes to an end, may we continue to be as the shepherds on that holy night over 2,000 years ago - struck with awe at the Lord's power, and moved to glorify and praise His wondrous name. Merry Christmas to each of you!