Location: Bethlehem
Time: Circa 4 B.C.
Primary Scriptures: Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 2:8-9 — The angelic proclamation to the shepherds and the guiding star for the wise men.
An angel, luminous and serene, speaks with a voice that resonates with the authority of heaven. Standing in the celestial glow of Bethlehem’s hills, the angel recounts the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, offering a glimpse into the divine orchestration of that night.
Angel:
You mortals measure time by days and years, by the rising and setting of the sun. But for us, time is the canvas upon which God paints His eternal plan. From the very beginning, we knew this moment would come — the moment when heaven and earth would meet in the person of Jesus, the Savior of the world. And I, along with my brothers and sisters of the heavenly host, had the honor of announcing His birth.
It began with the decree of a Roman emperor. Caesar Augustus ordered a census, a mundane exercise of human power and control. Little did he know that his decree was part of a far greater plan, a divine purpose that stretched back to the foundations of the world. The census brought Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, fulfilling the prophecy spoken long ago: “But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2).
As Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem, the stars above shone with a brilliance that had been prepared from the dawn of creation. Among them was one particular star, brighter than the rest, set in motion to guide the wise men from the East. These men, learned and watchful, saw the sign and understood its significance. They followed the star, knowing it would lead them to the King of kings.
But my task was not with the wise men. No, my mission was to the shepherds, those humble keepers of the flock who watched over their sheep in the quiet fields outside Bethlehem. How fitting that the first to hear the news of the Lamb of God were shepherds, men who lived among lambs destined for sacrifice.
The night was dark and still when I appeared to them, radiant with the glory of the Lord. Their terror was immediate, as is often the case when mortals encounter the divine. But I spoke words of comfort: “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).
Good news. Great joy. These words rang out across the heavens as I delivered them. For centuries, the prophets had spoken of this moment, but now it was here, unfolding in the humblest of places—a stable, a manger, a tiny child.
As I finished my message, the heavens themselves could no longer contain the joy of what was happening. A multitude of my fellow angels appeared, filling the night with light and song. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:14). The shepherds, once trembling in fear, were now alight with wonder, their faces reflecting the glory they had witnessed.
When our song was complete, we returned to our heavenly posts, watching as the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem. Their steps were quick, their hearts eager to see the fulfillment of what they had been told. And when they found the child, lying in a manger as we had said, they knelt in awe and worship. They left that place with a story to tell, their voices carrying the good news to all who would listen.
Even now, as I recount these events, I marvel at the perfection of God’s plan. From the distant Magi following the star to the shepherds trembling under the weight of glory, every detail was orchestrated with divine precision. The census, the star, the stable — all of it was woven together to announce the arrival of the One who would redeem the world.
And this child, this Jesus, was not born into wealth or power but into humility, into the very fabric of human frailty. He is Emmanuel, God with us, stepping into your world to bring light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and peace to the restless.
To those who hear my account, I say this: Rejoice! The Savior has come. The promises of old have been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has drawn near. The news we proclaimed to the shepherds is the same news that echoes through the ages: “Today, a Savior has been born to you.” May you receive Him with the same wonder and joy that filled the hills of Bethlehem that night.
Closing Thought:
God’s perfect plan unfolds in ways both extraordinary and humble, reminding us that His light shines brightest in the darkest places.
— An Angel
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