The Announcement

It was the most spectacular announcement in human history, and, oh my, was it impressive! The night lit up. An angel announced that after a thousand years of waiting, the savior had been born. Amazing!

Unto you is born... To us? Yes, to you. This day... It just happened!

“Is born a savior... Wow! Good news. Who is Christ the Lord. The Messiah!

Then the heavens opened, and a vast army of angels stretched across the sky praising God. Incredible! And who was the audience for this earth-shattering announcement? The townspeople of the capital city? No, not that bunch. They would later shout, “Give us Barabbas.”

The political rulers? No. The King would hunt down every male child born around that time and have them killed, hoping to keep Jesus from growing up.

The military governor of the land? No. His successor would later turn Jesus over to death.

This world’s most significant announcement was made before a small group of shepherds out in a field near Bethlehem. We don’t even know their names, but there is one thing we do know about them. They received the news with joy, visited the baby, and returned glorifying and praising God.

That’s the difference. That’s why the shepherds received the announcement. They got it!

This Christmas, that same announcement comes more quietly to you, but you can receive it with the same joy and praise God for sending a Savior. I hope you get it, too.

“Lord, I am so glad you sent your son. I praise you and hold your salvation high. Amen.”

Go Deeper — The Shepherds, the wise men, Simeon, and Anna were all from outside the society of the day, not the “important” people. Why did God do it that way?