Daily Devotion 22 December 2025

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ----- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2: 11 + 14

READING: Luke 2: 8-18

At this time we look at the different prophets who prophesied about the coming of God’s own Son into our world, as well as the different people to whom God directly reveal the news of the imminent birth of Jesus. Today I would like to think about the Shepherds. These rural, nomads, simple folk, young boys, and men who fended for themselves while they looked after their sheep.  They would have lived, ate alongside of them, walked, and slept with them.  They would have protected them with their lives.  They would have experienced all kinds of weather, stars, the moon, and the sun.  They had to fight off thieves and vicious animals. They saw the creation at its most basic, and most beautiful.  The shepherds knew their sheep individually and they knew their shepherd and his voice.  They would only follow his calling.  It was to these caring, simple , ordinary people God chose to reveal to them the Great Message in such a beautiful, simple, and majestic way.  It must have been an awesome and somewhat frightening experience.  But the Angel Gabriel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people” vs 10.  He told them of the birth of a baby in Bethlehem who would be the Messiah, the Christ and Saviour of the world.  The amazing thing was that they responded immediately!  And went into Bethlehem, where they found the baby and worshipped Him. After seeing the baby, the Bible tells us that they spread the Good News.

Another reason this revelation was so important is that we find many references throughout the Bible about the Shepherd.  The twenty third Psalm is an example, “The Lord is my shepherd.”  Jesus said He was the Good Shepherd and the gate to the fold.  The sheep would know His voice.  John 10: 3-4.  He said ,” I am the good shepherd ; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.  John 10: 14-15

Prayer

Silent night, holy night: shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing, Alleluia; Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is Born.” (from the beautiful carol “Silent Night”) Lord Jesus, may we too this Christmas experience the glory and wonder of the heavenly hosts and receive a renew Your revelation of Your love.  Amen