The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 2:8-11, “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields

and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood

before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

10 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy

which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a

Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”

Shepherds are everywhere in Scripture. The word itself (?????? poimen) is mentioned

more than 100 times in the Bible. Our word pastor comes from that same Greek word.

But these shepherds were not ordinary shepherds in that the sheep over which they

kept watch were pure and destined for sacrifice in the Temple. Is that not significant?

Jesus Himself is called the “Chief Shepherd” (1Pet. 5:4) and the “Great Shepherd”

(Heb. 13:20). So these shepherds were honored to be the first to receive the angelic

pronouncement. ~ Understandably, they were terrified! But the angel quieted them,

saying that he had “good news of great joy.” Then the angel said that this Gospel

(good news) was “for all the people.” The word “people” (???? laos) speaks of the

Jews. [Just remember that Paul said, “to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Gentile;

Rom. 1:16)]; thus, the message is ultimately for us, too. And who is this One, who is

born in Bethlehem? He is Christos ??????? the Kurios ?????? – the Messiah, the

Promised One, who has legal authority over all. Wow! Does that resonate or what?

Love to you in the Love of our wonderful LORD,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas