#1417. Luke 2:8–14 - The angels announce the good News (26/12/25)
- Matt Beaney
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.
From Luke 2:8–14, we learn that God brings outsiders into the joy, peace and favour that the good news brings.
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‘And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”’ (Luke 2:8-14)
1. God declares the birth of Christ to shepherds. (2:8-9)
‘And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.’ (Luke 2:8-9)
God chooses to reveal the birth of Christ to shepherds - men who were often looked down upon, considered unclean, and excluded from much of religious life. They were not searching for God, yet God graciously sought them.
This shows us the heart of God:He reveals Himself to the unlikely, the overlooked, and the unworthy.
Just as the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth highlight God’s compassion for the poor, so the honoured inclusion of shepherds proclaims that the gospel is for all people - especially those who feel on the outside.
2. The angel announces good news of great joy (2:10-12)
‘But the angel said to them, “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 Saviour 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)
The angel announces four precious gifts that come through Jesus:
Joy - “good news… that will cause great joy”
Salvation - “a Saviour has been born to you”
Peace - “on earth peace…” (v. 14)
Favour - “to those on whom his favour rests”
This is the true message of Christmas: God has sent a Saviour who brings joy, peace, and His gracious favour to all who receive Him.
Response
Like these humble shepherds, we are invited into the joy of knowing Jesus - the One who brings salvation, peace, and the favour of God.
Let our response echo the worship of heaven:
‘Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”’ (Luke 2:13-14)
May our hearts be filled with the same praise today.
Community Group Notes
There are no group notes this week.