Shepherds and Kings, what could they possibly have in common? Only for the fact the Christ child came, without a ticker tape parade or multi-million dollar campaign, to be born in a stable to a young couple far from family or home. Listen to the account of how each came to worship the world’s Savior, and imagine that you are on the scene taking part in some way:
“And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
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 people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.’
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’ And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us’”(Luke 2:8-15).
In another part of the world learned men were making the journey to find the Child, the King of the Jews, whose special star had announced his birth. This, however, was not “good news” to everyone, especially those who worshipped power at any cost.
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’
And when Herod heard it, he was troubled…and gathering together all the chief priests and scribes…he began to inquire of them where the Christ was to be born…and they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem…for so it is written by the prophet, ‘And you, Bethlehem…are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel’” (Matthew 2:1-6).
Meanwhile, Herod secretly told the magi that they should “make careful search” for the Child and then report back to him, so he could also come and worship Him. “And lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over the where the Child was” (v. 9).
God had prepared the hearts of both the shepherds and the magi for worship. Watch each of their responses and their effects:
[shepherds] “And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds…And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen…” (Luke 2:16-18, 20).
[magi] “And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincence and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way” (Matthew 2:11-12).
What is most striking is that worship knows no class. Whether nearby shepherds or kings from a far country, the Child was worthy of their worship. Also, God had purposely invited them to the birth of His Son, while excluding others. The Jewish priests and scribes, who knew the teachings of the prophets, missed this event, not to mention King Herod, whose plans were only for evil. But the young couple and their first child were beneficiaries of God’s grace, beyond all they could imagine. The Bible notes young Mary’s private reaction to these happenings: “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
How did you do, observing the work of God? What did you notice, and what is your response at this time? Are you also ready to worship, or are you too familiar with these words, like the priests and scribes? Look again at the night sky some December night and picture those angels singing God’s praises, reflecting heavenly glory in a sleepy town in Judah two thousand years ago.
Come and Worship
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
‘Peace on the earth, good-will to men, from heav’n’s all-gracious King’
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing…
…Shepherds in the field abiding, watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing, yonder shines the Infant-Light;
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the new-born King.
Sages leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar,
Seek the great Desire of nations, ye have seen His natal star;
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the new-born King.
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