Advent Devotional 2021: Fear Not, Shepherds!
“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.”” - Luke 2:10 (ESV)
Devotional
Read: Luke 2:1-21
While Zechariah and Mary were given the announcements of their “assignments” in the ushering in of God’s kingdom. The shepherds received a very different piece of news instead. No task was given but rather the announcement of a saviour, the chosen one of Israel to them.
Listen: Fear Not! - This year’s Christmas theme song written by our own Calvarian, Melvin Koh!
One of the main roles of shepherds is to watch over sheep. It was not a passive activity where they lounge about while waiting for the sheep to finish eating or sleeping. Their minds were constantly on the move, inspecting the ground to check on the surroundings to ensure the safety of their flock. However, it was the ability to see the “invisible” that was important. This meant looking near for signs of distress amongst the flock and looking far to assess the weather conditions ahead. You could say that they were prepared for every possible circumstance.
So, you can imagine their shock when “the invisible became the visible”, as the angel appeared to them – the Bible describes the shepherds as more than simply troubled or disturbed but being terribly afraid. The angel then calms them down by reassuring them that they did not need to be afraid for they are the recipients of the good news of salvation through the birth of a saviour.
If we fast-forward to today’s context, how would such news be given, or perhaps who would such important news be given to? Would it be through an official channel like the state press or through an influencer with a lot of followers? Following the vein of this story, it would be given to you and I – the common people out on the streets.
The angels gave no instructions, but rather a sign that this child would be found in a manger in Bethlehem. A sceptic might ask, did they not ask for specifics? A name? The parents? How could they be sure? But the shepherds’ response to the news was to see for themselves who this baby was. In fact, the nuance in verse 16 was to hurry on earnestly, with haste, in order to seek out and find who this child was. And they went ahead and found what was announced.
And how the shepherds’ lives would have changed after that! The bible did not record much, but only revealed the joy and response in praise to God because He had kept his promise. This Christmas, may we look back at our first meeting with Christ by responding to him in praise!
— Written by Melvin Koh, Ministry Director (EKC & Cell Groups)
Reflect & Respond:
Think back on the time when you received the good news of Jesus Christ. Take time to celebrate God’s grace upon you, and share it with your family.
Perhaps, in this season, you are looking to God for a response to an issue. Take time to seek him. Seek out his heart for you and surrender to his grace. Surely his perfect love will drive out all fear.
What is something you are most excited about in the coming year? GATHER – look for chances to share your story with a fellow brother or sister. Pray alongside each other and watch out for one another. And celebrate Christmas together! Find out more about how you can pray, engage, and gather this Christmas with our PEG kit here.