The angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11
This is what the angel said to the shepherds. And this is the witness that the shepherds would bear concerning Jesus as Savior.
The shepherds were at the bottom of the pile in the ancient world. They were despised people. But God comes to them and says, “to you a Savior is born.”
Who else is drawn by God to the manger? Not only shepherds, but kings! Kings were at the top of the pile, people of great learning, people who had the means to bring gifts of gold. Yet for all their learning and all their wealth, they needed a savior as much as the shepherds.
The birth of the Savior is good news of great joy for all people because a savior is exactly what we all need. If you had the means to pay what you owe to God, you would not need a savior. If you were able to live the life God calls you live, you might say: “I don’t want charity. A savior is good news for people who have messed up and don’t have the means to bail themselves out, but I’d rather stand on my own two feet.” But the truth is that we all owe a debt to God, and we do not have the means to pay.
Friends, we need a savior, and the good news is that the Savior has come. When you see how much you need him, this good news will be to you the greatest joy!
Reflect on your need of the Savior. Have you discovered the great joy that the angels promised in the good news of Jesus?