The angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus by appearing to shepherds living in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Gabriel, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, to invite them to join in celebrating the joyful message of the birth of Jesus Christ in Israel. So the annunciation to the Shepherds forms part of the Christian Christmas Tradition.
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. This will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger.” Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”So when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them in Luke 2:1-20.
The shepherds worshipped with joy with the parents of Jesus. And continued rejoicing for becoming privileged to honour the birth of Christ. The 23rd Psalm declares God as Shepherd to show experiences in the cave at Shepherd’s Field. The Church of the Shepherds Fields in Bethlehem is in Beit Sahour town renowned for the Shepherds’ Field. Built on spot where angels appeared to the group of shepherds. So,The church marks the location of where the angels called the shepherds that night. The shepherds’ return to their flocks after seeing the infant Christ. So were believed to be Jesus’ first visitors from nearby fields. Christ was visited first by low working class shepherds as the poor who lived in misery. Christ was born is a lowly manger to point out to the world He also loves poor people. Shepherds often are derided, mocked, treated unfairly by leaders and employers. They put their life on the line to protect the sheep to create wealth for their masters. So face danger from wild animals, lions, bears, as king David killed by bare hands to protect sheep. Jesus felt a connection to all shepherds because Jesus is Ultimate Shepherd who Fully Understands needs and difficulties of shepherding flock.
It came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph went from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Also, 3 wise Kings from the East humbled themselves to visit Jesus and brought Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Gold acknowledged Jesus is King of kings, frankincense Jesus’ Royal Priesthood as Head of the Church and Myrrh Jesus’s death and resurrection. Although great kings, with great status they humbled themselves to visit Jesus in the manger. Although some believe their journey took so long they arrived after 2 years of the birth of Christ. Some say 3 kings did not visit in stable unfit for earthly kings to be born, kneel to worship or accept Jesus as personal Saviour. So said Jesus moved out of stable into a house in bethlehem or back to Nazareth after dedication purification of Mary.
God connects Jesus Christ The Good Shepherd to shepherds to follow His example of saving sheep. The practical life skill experiences of shepherds prepare and mature them to defeat enemies. God could have built the most expensive mansion on earth to befit status of Jesus. God preferred to demonstrate with His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON Jesus the example of perfect humility. To prove to the world a person’s low birth status, simple environment, small beginning or background does not limit from becoming Greatest Saviour of the world. Jesus Gave Up Wealth and Riches to make Himself a Sacrificial Lamb. King David killed bear and lion to protect the sheep under his care plus Goliath to qualify to lead as king.Christ Jesus endured with tenacity as The Great Shepherd Head in charge of church flock shepherds. 3 wise kings visit for a purpose to link gentiles through Christ to God. Whatever kings decide whole kingdom obey and follow at least in those days. Queen Sheba and Candace’s secretary baptised by Philip in Acts from Ethiopia in Africa from royal household pay homage to God as Christian or Torah believers. Each year Christ’s Living History is re-enacted in many nations to remember to thank God for birth of Jesus. Celebrations commemorate and teach Christian believers, young ones and future generations about Christ their Saviour. Abraham was from a similar background like the 3 wise kings who visited Jesus. God chose nation of Israel so Abraham’s Seed Jesus saves the world.
Christmas play stories remind all to be thankful for Christ. Large groups celebrate Christmas nativity story recorded to show Christ was born The Good Shepherd for people of all nations. CHRIST IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON so thank God for salvation, forgiveness of sins in Christ. God accept all in Jesus no matter background, status, rank, office, colour, rich, poor. God Loves and Calls His Children. those who accept Jesus. One is mere mortal creation disconnected by sin of Adam and Eve. So must consciously choose to RECONNECT TO GOD THROUGH JESUS NAME.
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