Luke 2:8-12 (NIVUK)
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’
God’s chosen king has come, spotlit by God’s glory! At last a king who is a worthy successor of David, in fact even greater than him, one who like David would rescue his people from their enemies and bring them peace. He may be a baby, but he is the Lord. But in a manger…? Visited by shepherds?
Born and laid in a manger Lord? Shepherds? Help us to feel the force of this surprise once more, and rediscover what it tells us of you.
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