Luke 2:11-15
Luke 2:11 (KJB)
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ
the Lord.
This was the long awaited news that Israel had been hoping for, for about 1500
years. The shepherds were privileged because the angel told them that the Savior
was born to them, that is, the nation of Israel. He would be the fulfillment of
many prophecies such as Deuteronomy 18, Genesis 3, Micah 5. Isaiah 7 & 9, etc.
It was the fulfillment of prophecy that the Savior was born in the city of David
which is Bethlehem. He would be the divine Lord and the direct way to the
Father. No more ritual or holy of holies would be needed once He went to the
cross.
Luke 2:12 (KJB)
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes, lying in a manger.
The angel knew that the shepherds would go and see the baby for themselves so he
gives them a sign. The sign would be easy to find because He will be wrapped in
swaddling clothes. Swaddling clothes was like a restrictive type of clothing to
hold the baby tight. Their next sign would be they would see the baby lying in a
manger in a stable. The birth of Jesus was not in the best surroundings.
Luke 2:13 (KJB)
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising
God, and saying,
Then while the angel was giving the message to the shepherds, suddenly or
unexpectedly, a multitude of the heavenly host, the other angels, were now
praising God. If you notice, the angels were not singing which is what is taught
by tradition, but instead they were speaking.
Luke 2:14 (KJB)
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
The exaltation or anthem had a two-fold message. It spoke both of Heaven and the
earth. First, it spoke about Heaven being the dwelling place of God. It was
words of affirmation and praise to God who inhabits the highest heavens. Then
secondly, it speaks of peace on earth and good will toward men. The peace which
God gives will be a sustaining peace that shall bring us through all situations
on earth. (Phil 4:7 KJV) And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Then
there is the good pleasure of God being given to men, that is, to those who have
become saved, to both men and women. (Psa 16:11 KJV) Thou wilt show me the
path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are
pleasures for evermore.
Luke 2:15 (KJB)
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the
shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this
thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Once the angels had made their appearance and brought the message to the
shepherds, they wasted no time in going to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus.
Since they received the heavenly message and sign, they wanted to see in person
exactly what the angels were speaking about and to see the fulfillment of the
many prophecies. So they left a very small crew behind and then began to go to
Bethlehem. They were joyful as having received the message from the Lord.
Shepherds were considered a low social class and here the Lord hand picks this
group to receive the message of the birth of the Messiah instead of the
religious leaders. (Mat 11:25 KJV) At that time Jesus answered and said, I
thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these
things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.