The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 2:8-14, “And 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 And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great

joy which shall 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. 12 “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And

on Earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

That the angel of the LORD appeared to the shepherds was in keeping with the lowly

birth of the Christ Child Himself, because the shepherds were the lowliest people of

that day. In addition to their lowliness in society, they were what David was – a

shepherd. And the Christ Child was born in the same city as David. Moreover, the

shepherds were tending sheep that were intended for sacrifice.

The angel dispelled fear saying, “I bring you good news of great joy, which shall

be for all the people (???? (laos). This word for “people” is primarily used for the

Jews. At that time, the Savior was intended only for the Jews. Remember Paul

saying that salvation was “…to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16)?

The angelic announcement was interestingly specific as to where (in Bethlehem),

when (has been born), why (for you), what (a Savior), who (Christ the LORD). But

what if other children were born that night? How are they to know which child is

the Savior? There was a Star that was to later lead the Magi; but that was much later.

They simply obeyed; and the Spirit of the LORD led them to the Baby Jesus. In the

Old Testament, the LORD said, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search

for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13).

Notice finally that the angels, who had produced fear in the shepherds, now

produced joy as they praised the LORD. If heavenly angels praise Him, shouldn’t

we praise Him, also? We often hear pastors and teachers and song-writers say

that the angels sang. The Bible says “said” (???? (lego), not “sing.” And what

the host of angels said was, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace

among men with who He is pleased.” Oh, so only those “with whom He is

pleased” will experience peace. Is He pleased with you? with me?

We love you more than you know! May the LORD’s peace abide with

you abundantly!

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”