Once the shepherds were able to take a deep breath and get their bearings, they were able to concentrate on the message the angel was delivering to them here in the fields.

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.” Luke 2:11-12 NIV

The shepherds must have understood this to be very important news, but perhaps they were also a bit confused as to why it was being shared with them. This was big news! Important news! These shepherds were unimportant people who weren’t trained in big theological matters. Surely, this was news for the priests and religious leaders at the temple in Jerusalem, not for shepherds like them. (More on this tomorrow).

Then, in an instant, the night got even wilder as the entire sky filled with an uncountable number of angels. The myriad of angels who had remained invisible to this point exploded into the view around these shepherds and spoke in unison…

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.” Luke 2:13-14 NIV

In Christmas carols and worship songs, these angels are often depicted as singing but the Gospel writer Luke is specific that these angels were speaking in unison. Did the shepherds have to cover their ears? Could the nearby town of Bethlehem hear these angels? We will never know but this final crescendo to the message must have left these shepherds breathless-and as quickly as they appeared, the angels vanished and the night sky was dark once again and silence descended upon the hills-except-could these shepherds hear the faint cry of a baby?

Prayer Emphasis: Take a few moments to consider the true implications of this “good news” and how it has changed your life. Thank God today for each transformation He brings to mind.

For Family Discussion…
Talk a about a time recently that you received “good news”. What was this news? Why was it so good?
Like the shepherds, how did you respond to this news?