Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[The Desire of Ages. pp 47] In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch by night. Through the silent hours they talked together of the promised Savior, and prayed for the coming of the King to David's throne. “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them.
We are gravely concerned about the chosen people of God in our day, for like the Hebrews in the days of Herod, many seem to be consumed with rites, celebrations and ceremonies, while God’s greatest treasure to us, in the person of Jesus, who should matter most to us in life, is too often relegated to a second fiddle position.
Anything, and everything except Christ is earnestly sought after, and celebrations and ceremonies take the place of that deep, abiding relationship with The only One who could make life worth the living. Thus, when it comes time for the announcement of the fulfillment of those prophecies which herald the second coming of Jesus, many persons, like those in Herod’s day will be going into panic mode and many will be found scrambling at the last minute, to find out that which would have already taken place.
Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!