Advent 3 + Midweek (The Angels and the Shepherds)
Luke 2:8-20
Tonight, we conclude our meditations on the Angels of Advent as we reflect on the Angels who appear to the Shepherds.
It’s interesting that shepherds are among the first to learn about Jesus’ birth since He will be the great Shepherd. In a way, the angels are not only announcing the birth of the Savior but also revealing the work He will perform to protect, keep, and lead you, His lambs, to springs of living water.
But one of the things that prevent you from being led to the springs of living water, eternal life, is your rejection of His Word—lips that do not confess His name both here and in your daily life, whether you’re going to work or school, taking children to practice or rehearsals, encountering neighbors at the store or out to eat, or gathering around the table at home.
But right from the beginning, as soon as Jesus is born of the Virgin Mary, the angel of the Lord appears to the shepherds to do what we find difficult: to announce the good news, the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
However, this angelic announcement is met with the same fear as each of the previous two announcements to Mary and Joseph. In each case, fear appears in the person receiving the good news, but it quickly vanishes with the angel’s words.
In a way, I wonder if the shepherd’s fear diminishes partly because of the words of the angel as he said to them,
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
This news is for all people…
Have you ever noticed that you’re usually less afraid in life when you’re with others? When you’re part of a group? When you’re in a crowd?
Some people call this strength in numbers, right?
Speaking of numbers, joining the angel of the Lord is a multitude of heavenly hosts in saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
How wonderful it is to witness heaven and earth united in celebration.
The joy comes from the peace of heaven that has descended upon earth in the baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. It is this child who will take away all fear from man’s heart.
But let’s return to the idea of fear again. Throughout our readings this Advent, fear is always present in the hearts of the receivers, whether it’s Mary, Joseph, or the shepherds. But when someone hears the Gospel for the first time today, do they experience fear?
Maybe…
Honestly, though, for all the wrong reasons, fear usually rests in the one who has the chance to confess not only the birth of Jesus but also the purpose for which He was sent: to take your sins to the cross, to die for you, and to rise again so you could receive eternal life.
Consider this: it’s your fear that stops you from sharing Jesus with everyone you meet — at the bus stop, school, work, or even around your dinner table.
However, reflect on what the shepherds did after receiving the good news—the gospel of Jesus from the angels. They went to Bethlehem to see this Babe in the manger, and the text says,
And when they saw [Jesus], they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Having seen Jesus, these shepherds could not keep from confessing the good news of His birth; they told everyone, praising their Lord for revealing Himself to them.
Now think about this: Have you seen Jesus? Have you heard His voice? Has He revealed Himself to you?
Absolutely!
He does this every time we gather here in this sanctuary. As you walk past the font, you remember where He claimed you as His own. As you sit in the pew, you hear His voice, the good news of forgiveness, and at this rail, you join the angelic choir of heaven in receiving a foretaste of what’s to come.
How could you not want to confess this great news to everyone you come in contact with in how you speak and what you do?
Think about this: if you read a book and found the story to be delightful, would you not tell others?
Or if you went to a restaurant and enjoyed a wonderful meal, would you not tell others?
I mean, these days, if the Chick-fil-A trailer shows up in Tomah, Facebook is all a clatter with people saying the best chicken sandwiches are in town!
So why wouldn’t you be moved to confess the good news of the angels more boldly with those you encounter?
Because you live in fear.
You worry about what others think. You’ve fallen for the lies of the devil, believing it’s inappropriate to speak of faith in Christ Jesus. You’ve closed your heart to His Word.
But listen to these words from St. John,
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. (1 John 4:18)
In other words, set aside the fears of this world, such as the fear of rejection. Fear God and the eternal punishment He can bring. Allow Jesus to dwell in you, because with Him, love overflows, dispels earthly fears, and works within you. In return, you receive the greatest gift of heavenly peace – His forgiveness.
As we conclude our meditations on the Angels of Advent, remember that the definition of an angel is to be a messenger of God. While you are not angels, nor will you ever be, you are called to be messengers of God—to take the great news the shepherds heard and make it known to all who will hear.
In the end, you cannot separate your confession of Jesus from faith, as St. Paul wrote,
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9-10)
In the days ahead, cast aside your fears, and do not keep the good news of your Savior’s birth to yourself. Learn from the shepherds to confess His birth, remembering that this news is for all people. +INJ+
Rev. Noah J. Rogness
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Tomah, WI
