Luke 2: 8-14

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[b] praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”[c]

The story of the shepherds interruption is often associated with Christmas. Usually we hear this story the week leading up to gifts, family time, and cookies. Today, though, this story was striking a different chord in me. Notice how the shepherds were interrupted? The shepherds were going about their business as they would on any evening. Then out of no where an angel appeared which as the text says “terrified” them. Their life interruption was not just sudden but it was scary.

This morning’s reading from our chronological bible plan reminds me of our recent chronology. Just two weeks ago everything was “normal.” I was excited to be finishing my summer plans for youth. We as a church had our leadership meeting scheduled. The summer season was around the corner (which for me meant lots of golf). All of us were interrupted.

I want to leave us with the words of the angel. This angel knew more than likely that the mere humans would be scared. So God in his infinite love and wisdom ordered the angel to say ”Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord.”

This morning and the coming days remember that message from the angel. JESUS HAS COME! Our fear, anxiety, and changed daily schedules are nothing compared to the arrival of Jesus. We can all find peace in that.

Pastor Mat