Unspeakable Joy

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will find the a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12

Have you ever been so excited that you just couldn't contain the excitement? A time when you were filled with so much happiness that your smile stretched from ear to ear? When everything seemed to be just perfect and nothing could be better? 

I imagine that is how the shepherds felt when they heard the news that a Savior had been born.

Shepherds were an integral part of the Jewish society. It is believed that the shepherds during that time were in charge of the flocks that would produce the pure and spotless lambs that would be selected for sacrifice in the temple. Despite this important role of making sure the lambs remained spotless for sacrifice, the shepherds were thought to be "unclean" in the eyes of Jewish leaders, and therefore, they were often not allowed to participate in temple gatherings or Jewish traditions. But with being in close proximity to the temple, the shepherds knew the scriptures. They knew the Old Testament prophesies that a Messiah would come. They were eagerly waiting, just like everyone else.

There was no new scripture for 400 years between the last prophecy of Malachi and the beginning of the New Testament. During this time there was increased oppression, political unrest, and heavy taxation - all leading to a heightened desire and longing for the Old Testament prophecies to be fulfilled. A deep yearning for a Messiah to come.

What I find to be ironic is that when the time came for the fulfillment of these prophecies, God did not choose a temple leader to hear the first announcement of the birth of Jesus, He did not tell the Pharisees, Sadducees, or any other religious ruler who was well-known amongst the people. He chose to make the first announcement to a group of shepherds. Shepherds who were considered to be "less than" in the eyes of society. Shepherds who were out in the hills caring for the sacrificial lambs that would soon no longer be needed. Shepherds who had been anxiously awaiting the Messiah. Can you imagine the unspeakable joy they must have felt knowing that the Spotless Lamb was finally here?

Merry Christmas - God's Spotless Lamb is here

Journal Prompt - As you celebrate this Christmas, take some time to reflect on the unspeakable joy that God has given us through the gift of Jesus, the Spotless Lamb.

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid . I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will find the a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12

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The Shepherd: A Story of the First Christmas