Luke 2:8-14

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to die for it. John 3:16.

God loves all of His creation. To enable His love, forgiveness and direction in our lives we must acknowledge Him as our Father and accept His Spirit who abides in us through the salvation gift given in Jesus! Through Him we can enter Gods’ rest. To God be all the glory!

Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Without faith, we try to work for our own salvation, leaving us in a constant state of striving. When we place our trust in the finished work of Christ, (John 19:30) we can lay our burdens at His feet and receive the precious gift of God's rest. First5.

Luke 2:8–14

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

It is noted that the announcement comes to lowly shepherds rather than to the religious elite.

The Greek word used here, euangelion, commonly refers in Luke’s Gospel to the saving message that the savior of humanity has come into the world.

The good news is not just for Jewish people, but also for non-Jewish people.

In Mary’s song of praise, this title refers to Yahweh, now it is aptly applied to Jesus. The angels employ two titles: “Christ” or “Messiah” emphasizes Jesus’ anointing as God’s promised Servant; “Lord” emphasizes His sovereign authority. 

Mangers—though quite familiar to the shepherds—were unusual beds for babies. This oddity would serve as a sign to the shepherds that they had found the Messiah. The angels’ reference to glory in the highest heaven is complemented by their message of peace of earth. The Greek word used here, eirēnē, is similar in meaning to the Hebrew word shalom (which means “peace,” “wholeness,” or “completeness”); it carries connotations of well-being, harmony, and security. Peace is a major theme of Luke’s Gospel. Faithlife Bible.

The night watch was kept to protect sheep from robbers and wild animals. (Satan seeks to kill, steal and destroy the Body of Christ.)

Glory refers to evidence of God’s majestic presence, later associated with Jesus. In this scene, the glory is the appearance of light in the midst of darkness. The city of David here refers to Bethlehem. 

Savior … Christ … Lord: These three titles together summarize the saving work of Jesus and His sovereign position. What God was called in 1:47, Savior, Jesus is called here. The word Christ means “Anointed,” referring to Jesus’ royal, messianic position. The word Lord was the title of a ruler. Jesus is destined to sit and distribute salvation’s benefits from God’s side, ruling with the Father.

Heavenly host refers to an entourage of angels. Glory here refers to praise given to God. The phrase ”goodwill toward men” means that people are the objects of God’s goodwill. In ancient Judaism, this phrase described a limited group of people who were the objects of God’s special grace. 

The promise of peace and goodwill would come to those who welcome God’s only Son. NKJ Bible.

God’s good-will to men, manifested in sending the Messiah, redounds to his praise. Other works of God are for his glory, but the redemption of the world is for his glory in the highest. God’s goodwill in sending the Messiah, brought peace into this lower world. Peace is here put for all that good which flows to us from Christ’s taking our nature upon him. This is a faithful saying, attested by an innumerable company of angels, and well worthy of all acceptation, that the good-will of God toward men, is glory to God in the highest, and peace on the earth. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.

Matthew 1:21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Acts 5:31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.