Verses 8-10 “8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
The very first announcement of the Birth of God’s only begotten Son was made, not to priests, preachers, nor politicians, but to shepherds. The most important announcement in the history of the world was first made to some of the most lowly of earth, to working people, to those who lived closest to the soil. There is something grand and wonderful about this; and yet, it is not surprising when we consider that it is the God of heaven making the announcement and He values people differently than do men. With Him there is no respect of persons, one over the other. With Him there is no effort to impress the high and mighty of earth. So shepherds are first to hear the wonderful news that the Savior has come to redeem us.
There is always some fear when man comes in to the presence of God’s glory. It would have been frightening enough to meet one of God’s angels face to face. However, the shepherds saw not only the angel but also found themselves, totally unexpectedly, in the blinding presence of God’s Shekinah glory. The glory that the shepherds saw was the same Light that guided Israel in the wilderness, the very same Brightness that filled the temple of God when it was dedicated, the same Brilliance that hovered above the mercy seat. There is a healthy fear when sinful men meet our holy God; but the angel would not have the shepherds paralyzed by fear. He calms them with a message of joy.
The angel made the word JOY forever a Christmas message. It is the joy that God loves us, the joy of knowing that God came down to rescue us, the joy of salvation. Salvation is for all people, according to the angel’s revelation. No tribe, tongue, nation, race, or station is excluded. The full joy of Christ’s nativity is realized by any who will receive Him by faith. When we know him personally as Savior there is joy unspeakable and full of glory!