Luke 2:8-20

Reading 3

Luke 2:8-20

"8 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,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

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.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

This passage has always served great encouragement to me.  Through God’s grace He brings the best of the best to the lowest of the low.  In His provision He offers to the mess of humanity “peace on earth to people He favors” (v.14) 

Do you feel at peace today in all areas of life?  

I’m looking at my iPhone sitting on my desk as I write this.  In my phone are the numbers and contact information of many people.  The reality is that for whatever reason there are contacts on my list whom might not appreciate a call from me this morning.  Sin and decisions of life leave un-peace or awkwardness between individuals.  This idea of peace as recorded by Luke needs to be understood to a greater degree.  Luke is not relaying that peace directly equals peace with one another.  What the text is revealing is that the peace offered to individuals through Christ Jesus is an offer of peace from God to man.  

While there might be awkward conversations that would result if I blindly just ask Siri to call someone on my contact list in Christ Jesus I personally have a deep peace between myself and God and this is great!  

If you have anxiety today I would first encourage you to consider the gift of peace God offers to you to Himself through Christ Jesus.  The idea that Christ offers me provision for my wrong and a direct avenue into the family of God and peace with the Father for eternity provides a greater peace for the life directly inform of me.  Do you have peace?  If not I would encourage you first to consider the gift of Jesus God is offering to you.