The Glory of The Lord

                In Luke 2:8-15 quoted below, we see the “angel of the Lord” show Himself to the shepherds.  We also see that “the glory of the Lord shone round about” the shepherds.

              In our day and time, the “angel of the Lord” is defined as an earthly messenger of God. 

Revelation 3:7  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

The “angel” defined in this verse and the other six “angel[s]” defined in Revelation Chapters Two and Three are the Pastors of those Churches.  As we consider our definition, any hearer of God’s Word becomes an “angel of the Lord,” and consequently, in our vernacular we have become a “messenger” for the LORD.  As a messenger, it is our task to have the power to show “the glory of the Lord shone round about.”  We are to relay God’s Word to those who have not heard and  let them see the “glory of the Lord,”  (to those who are sliding down a hill with no direction, and have not realized there is a way out.)

              This CHRISTmas Season: remember that our duty as messengers of God is to not only share the story of the birth of Jesus, but also the Gospel of Jesus.  Tell them that this Jesus is the same Jesus that was on the “Old Rugged Cross” and shed His blood for the remission of all humanity’s sins.  He was then buried and on the third day God raised Him from the grave so we might have a Living Saviour, the Lord Jesus the Christ. 

Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

All God asks of us, (to become a CHRISTian,) is to confess to others that God raised Jesus from the grave, and He will save us.

Bro. John R. E Chastain

Luke 2:8-15  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  (9)  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  (10)  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  (11)  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  (12)  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.  (15)  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

Unto You Is Born

             In Luke 2:8-15 quoted below, we see the “…shepherds were abiding in the field.”  Tradition states, or tells us that the sheep were sired in July, and that the resulting births were about five months later in December.  This tradition also states that shepherds then and now stay with the flocks during this time to help the ewe’s birth their lambs.

              Knowing this, our scripture tells us the shepherds were in the fields for a specific reason.  Their annual profits were what was birthed in those few days.

              Yet, as they watched, an angel appeared to them and made his announcement.  This announcement was more important than their reason to be in the fields.  “Unto you is born a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”  The shepherds understood the importance of this declaration.  They spent little time pondering or dawdling.  The scripture in (v15) tells us they left with haste.

              I want to dwell on the phrase below, “For unto you is born...”  Isaiah 9:6 states “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:…”  These statements are very personal, “us” and “you.”  These phrases are: the first toIsrael, and the second to Christians, or anyone who will listen.  

              These phrases make Jesus’ birth a very personal happening.  They are very personal to each of us who have called upon, and bowed to His name.  This is so important that we need to lay aside all our concerns, our problems, our vices, and relish in the thought He was born for YOU.

              As heirs of Abraham, He was born for US.

Galatians 3:29  And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

And as an heir, where is our Christmas spirit?  Can we say we have talked more about Jesus than we have about Santa Claus?  All our purchased gifts, that we have put on our over burdened credit cards, and all that we receive, are gifts of God through His Son Jesus.

              This Christmas, put aside 10% of your time, (tithe time,) to God and His Son Jesus.  Involve your children and grandchildren.  Teach them this Christmas Story.  Let them know the reason.  It isn’t those presents, it is the gift of salvation.  It is the gift of eternal, everlasting, forevermore existence with God and His Son.                                                                                    

Bro John R. E Chastain

Luke 2:8-15  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  (9)  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  (10)  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  (11)  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  (12)  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.  (15)  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.