by Hugh Brown
“The Announcement”
Luke 2:(1-7),8-20
“He’s here!”, announced the angel of the Lord. This great proclamation made to a unique and unsuspecting audience. Shepherds. The true embodiment of the Savior of the world.
David, a shepherd before he was king, wrote in Psalm 23,
“The Lord is my shepherd…”
Remember who the announcement was made to. Shepherds. Men who symbolized who Jesus is and why He came. Like a shepherd, Jesus came to gather His people, His flock. True He is the King of kings, but this king does things in unexpected ways. No climactic buildup. No grand entrance. A humble arrival in the most undramatic fashion. The words from a song best describe the arrival of King Jesus:
“Humbly he came to the earth he created
All for love’s sake became poor”
The promised Messiah the Jews had been waiting for has finally arrived. Imagine how those shepherds must have felt seeing that host of angels celebrating the arrival of the King of kings. From that moment on their lives were never the same.
Though the first announcement of His arrival was shared with a few. His return will be heard and seen by everyone. Yes, there will be a grand return and the gathering of all His flock will take place. Instead of Him dwelling amongst us, His flock will go with Him to live with Him forever. The Shepherd and His flock will never again be separated.
Are you a part of the flock? Are you a part of the body of Christ?
This has been a public service announcement. – HJB
Prison Lectionary 