Advent Passage: Luke 2:8-20

Merry Christmas! Today is the day we behold the birth of Jesus! He came as our Eternal King and Good Shepherd and so much more.

According to Luke, a group of shepherds became the first people to receive the good news of Jesus’s birth. Shepherding was a dirty and lonely profession. Sheep are vulnerable to predators and not the easiest group to herd, so they require constant vigilance. They also get dirty, give birth, and get sick all the time, so shepherds were often unable to meet the purity standards required to have a place in Jewish community.

In short, these rural shepherds were typically the last to hear the latest news from town. Society often overlooked them. However, as we read in the Old Testament, God notices His shepherds. Israel’s great leaders, Moses and David, spent years with their sheep before leading people. When Israel’s leaders later treated the Israelites harshly, God promised to send One Shepherd for all people (Ezekiel 34).

It’s no wonder the angels announced Jesus’ birth to these shepherds! The angels filled the night sky with praise and the glory of the Lord. An angel announces to the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

Just like Mary, the shepherds received a sign to back up the angels’ news. They rush to find Jesus wrapped in cloths in a manger, just as the angel told them. In response, they spread the good news. The shepherds continue the work of the angels by glorifying and praising God.

All who hear the shepherds are amazed. But Mary…but Mary treasures it up and ponders it all in her heart. Instead of joining the chorus, Mary quietly takes it all in.

This night is the first of many that Mary will treasure up and ponder in her heart. She will watch as Jesus fulfills all she hopes for in her song, but she will also witness Him do so much more than she could imagine through His life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

In this moment, Mary’s Song becomes Jesus’ Story.

And this, my friends, is the promise of Christmas. By faith, we sing with hope in all God will do. And then, one day, we behold Him do so much more than we could ever plan, or manufacture, or hope, or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

In that moment, our songs become Jesus’ Story. So, let’s join the chorus with the angels and shepherds alongside Mary as we celebrate the good news of Christmas today!

© 2025 Lori Myers Berry

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