Hope in the night…
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:8-14 NIV
Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.
Samuel Smiles
Last week, we saw the shepherds receive news from an angel not to be afraid, as they would be the recipients of good news. This week, we focus on the hope offered: the angel announces the birth of the Messiah. Indeed, they are the first to clearly hear the words that the coming babe is the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior of Israel. By sharing this message with the shepherds, God is making it clear that they are worthy of God’s loving attention. Though society looked down on shepherds, God chose the lowly to receive the best news ever. Then the angel tells them where to find the babe, and a host of angels appears singing praises to God…and “on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests”. Significantly, God’s favor was with the humble shepherds and that must have given them great hope in every way.
Feeling that you aren’t “good enough” is a common human condition. Yet if God honored the shepherds, it’s abundantly apparent that God’s standards are far different than secular standards. In fact, in 1 Samuel 16:7, God says “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” So, it really doesn’t matter what the world thinks of us, only God’s love for us matters. I look at the shepherds’ lowly status in society, and it encourages me that God valued them so very much to let them be the first people group to know of the Messiah’s birth. I too may not be famous, wealthy, or otherwise recognized by earthly standards, but God and Jesus overwhelmingly love me as is shown by my redemption and by the myriad of spiritual and earthly blessings that are undeserved divine gifts.
Hope is found in God, not the world. When you are feeling that you are “not good enough”, remember that God loves you more than seems possible. Spend time with him recounting his blessings to you, his beloved and remember that he was not only the hope of Israel, but is the hope of all people.