Christmas Advent Devotional Day 27: The Lord, the Lamb

 



Luke 2:8-12

 

 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (NKJV)

 

This scene with the shepherds appears to occur instantly after Christ was born- and wrapped in swaddling clothes.  The greatest thing to ever happen to the Jewish race- nay, the human race! - was heralded to sheep and shepherds. Huh?!

In the Old Testament, there were numerous references to shepherds and sheep.  King David even penned Psalm 23 where the Lord is depicted as the Good Shepherd. Honestly, it is only fitting that the news would first be given to shepherds.  A lamb had been born!  "...Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

Angels are an important part of the account of Christ's birth. We know an angel (Gabriel) appeared to Zechariah announcing John the Baptist’s birth.  Gabriel had also appeared separately to both Mary and Joseph announcing the coming birth of Christ. And now an angel appears to random shepherds, who are just watching their sheep like every other night. 

The glory was so brilliant that the men were overwhelmed and afraid.  But just like in the other angelic appearances surrounding Christ’s birth, they are told not to fear. They are told that the message is good tidings of great joy!  Joy has been a theme running through all of these accounts. Christ always comes with joy into the heart of believers.

The angel announces Christ's birth, location, and current situation.  He states that it will “be a sign to them” when they find Him in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. This set up was so rare, that it would serve as a flashing signpost confirming the words of the angel.

Time will not permit me to share all the background, but I have read articles that state that when lambs were born to be sacrificed, if they were perfect and without blemish, the shepherds would wrap them in swaddling clothes to protect them.  To preserve them for the coming sacrifice.  Let that sink in.  The angels would have immediately understood the connotation. A Savior was born.  Christ the Lord. "...the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world!" (Rev. 13:8)



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