Reading through each gospel account of Jesus’ birth, my all time favorite has to be when the angel appears to the lowly shepherds because is unlike any other account recorded. This account reveals the heart of God in sending Christ into the world as a baby. The angels reveal something quite amazing to this group of shepherds. It’s so easy to get caught up in the story that we miss this important message. In fact, I believe this is the true message of Christmas, one we should celebrate all year long, not just at Christmastime.

Here is the Account From Luke 2

“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” (Luke 2:8-9)

Notice the shepherds natural response was fear. However, the angel replied 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” (Luke 2:10-12).

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:19-20)

Christ came to bring peace between God and mankind. This idea in itself is marvelous! Christ’s job was to restore harmony between us. What sin disrupted, Jesus restored.

To do this, Christ entered into the world with the fullness of God dwelling permanently in Him as part of His nature, not as something that was given to Him to help Him accomplish this task. He was fully God and yet willingly became fully man so He could usher in a contract of peace for us. He became a delegate for both parties, the result was the reconciliation of all things, and this pleased the Father. 

Harmony is Restored on the Basis of Jesus’ Blood