Fear and Joy: The Christmas Message of the Shepherds

The Christmas story offers profound lessons, as seen in the shepherds’ experience in Luke 2:8-15:

 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,

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

These humble keepers of the fields received a message that changed everything and the same principles from their connection to the Christ-child, can empower our lives today.

1. Look for Courage
When the angel appeared, “the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Fear (φοβέω ) phobeo in Greek—means to feel so frightened that one withdraws,  flees or runs away. So what did the angels say and do, and what did the shepherds say and do, that can be a role model for us today? The angel proclaimed,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10).

Let’s drop in on this encounter between the heavenly host and some of the lowly shepherds to learn how to handle our own fears. First, Look Up! In moments of fear, God’s reassurance offers us courage to stand firm and trust His plans.

Look Up: My dear friend, Bible teacher, Janet McHenry, just released a 365 day devotional, Looking Up! Janet has read the Bible through each year for over 20 years. The first step in gaining bravery is to get in the Bible, and try to apply God’s Word daily.  So set a plan, what time of day will you meet with God to read His word then listen to hear His heart and plan for you?

2. Look for Good News
The angel brought “good news that will cause great joy.” So what is the “good news” of the Christmas Story?  My favorite set of verses is what the angel said to Mary to prepare and comfort her as the mother of God- incarnate who was coming into the world to save the world:

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).(Matt 1:23)

Look to Him: Even in a season of trials or challenges, we are reminded that it is our Immanual, “God with us” that can and will lead us to God designed, inspired and created joy! Joy is available when we trust in God’s promises. Where do you need God “with you”? At work? In a relationship? As you travel or walk city streets? As you complete your education, pursue a new job or strive for a long awaited goal?

3. Look for the Messiah
The angel said, “

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12).

The shepherds were invited to witness the Savior’s arrival. Jesus was a long awaited Messiah what had been prophesied about for hundreds of years! Perhaps you have heard the majestic symphony, Handel’s Messiah? Some of the lyrics are other names of this long anticipated Messiah:

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor,  Mighty God,  Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.(Is 9:6)

Look Deeper: Which name resonates with you today? Do you need God to be your:

Wonderful Counselor?

Mighty God?

Everlasting Father?

Prince of Peace?

In our own lives, finding Jesus—our Messiah—can bring clarity and peace in the midst of uncertainty.

4. Look for Ways to Praise God
The heavenly host appeared, praising God:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14).

Worship shifts our focus from fear to faith. Make a Christmas carols playlist, or each morning in December command your “Amazon Alexa” to “Play Christmas carols”. Get a holiday journal and jot down the phrases and lyrics that are meaningful, ones that pour hope into your heart. Which Christmas carol will you begin with?

Joy to the World?

Hark the Herald Angels Sing?

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem?

Look for Your Christmas Carol: This Christmas, let us follow the shepherds’ response to the angel’s call:

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.” (Luke 2:15).

Place a photo of a nativity as your screen saver on your phone or computer. Buy a new nativity ornament or nativity set and place it in a prominet place in your home. Each time you pass it, pray and thank God for sending Jesus, Your Messiah! Move toward joy, faith, and peace—into the heart of God’s promise.

Make a list of your fears, then shred the list in a paper shredder or burn in your fireplace,Then choose a name of Jesus in this blog to hang your heart on to bring you hope, peace,  and great joy.

Pam and Bill Farrel are international speakers, authors of over 60 books including Pam’s newest Glimpse of God’s Glory: One Woman’s Near-Death Experience, and their bestseller, Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti. Pam also encourages readers to download a sample chapter of each of her coauthored creative Bible studies, beginning with Discovering Hope in the Psalms or Discovering God News in John.  Please download a free gift: Comfort and Joy, an ebook packed with traditions, inspirations, art, family activities and devotionals. www.Love-Wise.com