We have already seen the role that the angel Gabriel had in visiting Zechariah and Mary. Now we see that a whole host of angels appeared to a humble group of shepherds at the birth of Christ. The shepherds were told by an angel where they could find the Savior who had been born. We think of angels as being radiant representatives of God. Hebrews 1:3-4 tells us that Christ is so much more than the angels. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.”
Luke 2:8-14
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
What happened to the shepherds when they saw the angel? (9)
What did the angel say to them? (10-12)
What happened after the angel spoke? (13-14)
THOUGHT QUESTIONS:
Why do you think God sent the angels to a group of shepherds?
Why are people so terrified at the presence of an angel?
Is God always present with us?
In what way?
Are we always in awe of his presence?
Should we be?
How would we show we are in awe of his presence?
PRAYER:
Pray that you would understand more fully how great and glorious God is. Pray that you would grow in awe and be aware of the majesty of his presence in all aspects of your life. Thank God that his peace fills us as we trust and obey him.
FOCUS VERSE: Hebrews 1:3-4.
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.