Jesus’ Birth Is Announced

Jesus’ Birth Is Announced

Q: What did the shepherds see that terrified them?

• a. angels
• b. a bright star
• c. a cloud of fire

When a baby is born, usually some sort of birth announcement is sent out, from a simple written card to a more elaborate photo announcement. Since God’s Son was born in a lowly stable with little celebration, you might think there was no birth announcement, but God outdid everyone in that area.

At the time Jesus was born, there were shepherds in a field watching over flocks of sheep. God announced his Son’s birth to these shepherds. And what an announcement! One moment the sky was filled with stars or perhaps clouds. Suddenly an angel appeared, and it was light all around. The shepherds were frightened. Nothing like this had happened to them before. The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

The angel was joined by many more angels saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

The angels left, and all was dark and quiet again. The shepherds hurried to find Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. After they’d seen him, they told everyone what had happened. Then they returned to their lives as shepherds, but they never forgot the angel’s announcement or meeting the newborn Savior.

For You

The shepherds’ lives were changed by the newborn Savior. Our lives are changed by Jesus too. Jesus offers hope, peace, and a reason for living. Who can you tell about the change Jesus makes in people’s lives? Someone needs to hear that message today.

Answer: a

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”   Luke 2:13-14

(The Whole Story: Luke 2:8-20)