Luke 2:11-15

Luke 2:11 (KJB)
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

This was the long awaited news that Israel had been hoping for, for about 1500 years. The shepherds were privileged because the angel told them that the Savior was born to them, that is, the nation of Israel. He would be the fulfillment of many prophecies such as Deuteronomy 18, Genesis 3, Micah 5. Isaiah 7 & 9, etc. It was the fulfillment of prophecy that the Savior was born in the city of David which is Bethlehem. He would be the divine Lord and the direct way to the Father. No more ritual or holy of holies would be needed once He went to the cross.

Luke 2:12 (KJB)
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

The angel knew that the shepherds would go and see the baby for themselves so he gives them a sign. The sign would be easy to find because He will be wrapped in swaddling clothes. Swaddling clothes was like a restrictive type of clothing to hold the baby tight. Their next sign would be they would see the baby lying in a manger in a stable. The birth of Jesus was not in the best surroundings.

Luke 2:13 (KJB)
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Then while the angel was giving the message to the shepherds, suddenly or unexpectedly, a multitude of the heavenly host, the other angels, were now praising God. If you notice, the angels were not singing which is what is taught by tradition, but instead they were speaking.

Luke 2:14 (KJB)
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

The exaltation or anthem had a two-fold message. It spoke both of Heaven and the earth. First, it spoke about Heaven being the dwelling place of God. It was words of affirmation and praise to God who inhabits the highest heavens. Then secondly, it speaks of peace on earth and good will toward men. The peace which God gives will be a sustaining peace that shall bring us through all situations on earth. (Phil 4:7 KJV) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Then there is the good pleasure of God being given to men, that is, to those who have become saved, to both men and women. (Psa 16:11 KJV) Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Luke 2:15 (KJB)
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

Once the angels had made their appearance and brought the message to the shepherds, they wasted no time in going to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. Since they received the heavenly message and sign, they wanted to see in person exactly what the angels were speaking about and to see the fulfillment of the many prophecies. So they left a very small crew behind and then began to go to Bethlehem. They were joyful as having received the message from the Lord. Shepherds were considered a low social class and here the Lord hand picks this group to receive the message of the birth of the Messiah instead of the religious leaders. (Mat 11:25 KJV) At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

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