We’ve all heard the “Christmas Story” growing up as kids, and that’s what these verses are beginning to tell us about …
On the very night the Christ-child was born, there were shepherds taking care of their sheep. It was a night like any other, with the animals quietly grazing in the field. But soon, it was interrupted by glory. Suddenly, the shepherds realized that they were no longer alone. An angel appeared, telling them not to be afraid, that a Savior had been born in Bethlehem.
The angel told the shepherds exactly where this baby boy could be found and that he would be wrapped snuggly in cloth and lying in a manger in the city of David.
In an instant, a glorious multitude of the heavenly host appeared, surrounding these humble shepherds in glory. With their voices, they lifted up an angelic song of praise to God, boldly proclaiming His glory.
This quiet night turned into the most glorious of nights, and the shepherds hurried off to find the baby boy. They found Him lying in a manger—precisely as the angel had told them.
There was no way the shepherds could keep this good news to themselves. They told everyone they met about the angel, the heavenly host, the young couple, and the precious Christ-child. And all who heard it were amazed, just as we continue to be amazed as we remember this night—this moment—when hope, joy, and eternal peace were made known to all mankind.