Luke 2:9
Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Suddenly
The word "suddenly" conveys the unexpected and immediate nature of the angelic appearance. In the Greek, the term used is "exaiphnes," which emphasizes the abruptness of the event. This suddenness highlights the divine intervention in the ordinary lives of the shepherds, symbolizing how God often works in unexpected ways. It serves as a reminder that God's presence and action can break into our lives at any moment, transforming the mundane into the miraculous.

an angel of the Lord
The phrase "an angel of the Lord" refers to a messenger sent directly from God. In the Greek, "angelos" means "messenger," and it is often used in the New Testament to describe beings who deliver divine messages. The presence of an angel signifies the importance of the message being delivered. In the context of Luke 2, this angelic visitation underscores the significance of the birth of Jesus, heralding the arrival of the Savior to the world.

appeared to them
The phrase "appeared to them" indicates a visible manifestation of the angel to the shepherds. The Greek word "ephistemi" is used, which means to stand by or appear suddenly. This appearance is not just a vision but a tangible presence, emphasizing the reality of the divine encounter. It reflects the biblical theme of God revealing Himself to humanity, often choosing humble and lowly individuals, like the shepherds, to receive His revelation.

and the glory of the Lord
The "glory of the Lord" refers to the divine radiance and majesty associated with God's presence. In Hebrew, the word "kavod" is often used to describe God's glory, signifying weightiness and honor. In the Greek, "doxa" is used, which conveys splendor and brightness. This glory is a visible manifestation of God's holiness and power, often associated with His presence in the Old Testament, such as in the tabernacle or the temple. Here, it signifies the divine nature of the message and the significance of Christ's birth.

shone around them
The phrase "shone around them" describes the enveloping light that accompanied the angel's appearance. The Greek word "perilampo" means to shine around or illuminate. This light symbolizes God's presence and truth, dispelling darkness and fear. It serves as a metaphor for the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, who brings hope and salvation to humanity. The illumination around the shepherds signifies the breaking of spiritual darkness with the advent of Jesus.

and they were terrified
The reaction "and they were terrified" reflects the natural human response to encountering the divine. The Greek word "phobeo" is used, which means to fear or be in awe. This fear is not just terror but a reverential awe in the presence of God's holiness. Throughout Scripture, encounters with the divine often evoke fear, as seen with Moses at the burning bush or Isaiah's vision in the temple. This fear underscores the shepherds' recognition of the sacredness of the moment and the overwhelming nature of God's glory. It also sets the stage for the angel's message of reassurance and good news.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Angel of the Lord
A divine messenger sent by God to deliver important news. In this context, the angel is announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds.

2. Shepherds
Ordinary men tending their flocks by night. They represent the humble and lowly to whom God first reveals the birth of the Savior.

3. The Glory of the Lord
A manifestation of God's presence and majesty, often associated with light and awe-inspiring power.

4. The Field
The setting where the shepherds were keeping watch over their sheep, symbolizing the everyday life into which God intervenes.

5. Fear/Terror
The natural human reaction to encountering the divine, highlighting the awe and reverence due to God's presence.
Teaching Points
God's Revelation to the Humble
God often chooses to reveal Himself to the humble and lowly, as seen with the shepherds. This challenges us to maintain humility and openness to God's work in our lives.

The Glory of God
The glory of the Lord is a powerful and awe-inspiring presence. We should cultivate a sense of reverence and worship in response to God's majesty.

Divine Encounters Lead to Transformation
Encounters with God, like the shepherds' experience, often lead to transformation and a new direction in life. We should be open to how God might be calling us to change.

Fear and Reverence
The shepherds' fear reminds us of the appropriate reverence we should have for God. This fear is not about being scared but about recognizing His holiness and power.

God's Initiative in Salvation
The angel's announcement underscores that salvation is initiated by God. We are recipients of His grace, and our response should be one of gratitude and faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the appearance of the angel to the shepherds reflect God's heart for the humble and lowly? Can you think of other biblical examples where God reveals Himself to those society might overlook?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God's glory in our daily lives?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a powerful way. How did it change your perspective or actions?

4. How does understanding the fear of the Lord as reverence rather than terror impact your relationship with God?

5. What steps can you take to be more open to God's transformative work in your life, as the shepherds were open to the angel's message? Consider how other scriptures encourage openness to God's leading.
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3:2
The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Moses in the burning bush, demonstrating God's presence and calling.

Isaiah 6:1-5
Isaiah's vision of the Lord's glory, emphasizing the overwhelming holiness and majesty of God.

Acts 9:3-4
Saul's encounter with the divine light on the road to Damascus, illustrating the transformative power of God's presence.

Revelation 1:17
John's reaction to seeing the glorified Christ, showing the consistent biblical theme of fear and reverence in the presence of divine glory.
The Savior's Birth and Type Angel's SermonR.M. Edgar Luke 2:1-20
A Flock to Look AfterBishop Hacker., Bishop Hacker.Luke 2:8-9
A Watchful ShepherdBishop Hacker.Luke 2:8-9
Attend to Your Own BusinessSunday School TimesLuke 2:8-9
By NightBishop Hacker.Luke 2:8-9
Dignity Bestowed on Those Following Their Daily CallingAmelia S. Barr.Luke 2:8-9
Finding the Lord in Daily DutiesSee Trench's Poems.Luke 2:8-9
Highest and Lowest Brought TogetherJ. H. Newman.Luke 2:8-9
Joy Often Follows FearDr. Talmage.Luke 2:8-9
Philosophy Discovered by Humble MenBishop Hacker., Bishop Hacker., Bishop Hacker.Luke 2:8-9
Shepherds Fit Persons to Receive the Gospel MessageBp. Lancelot Andrewes.Luke 2:8-9
Tending Flocks by NightC. Geikie, D. D.Luke 2:8-9
The Annunciation to the ShepherdsG. D. Boardman.Luke 2:8-9
The First to See Christ At His Final AdventBishop Hacker.Luke 2:8-9
The ShepherdsH. Wonnacott.Luke 2:8-9
The Shepherd's an Honourable CallingWm. Jones., James Foote, M. A.Luke 2:8-9
The Shepherds and the Magi At the Cradle of ChristS. Cox, D. D.Luke 2:8-9
This Angel is the First EvangelistLyman Abbott, D. D.Luke 2:8-9
Welcome News from HeavenW. Clarkson Luke 2:8-11
People
Anna, Aser, Asher, Augustus, Cyrenius, David, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Phanuel, Simeon
Places
Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Nazareth, Rome, Syria
Topics
Afraid, Angel, Appeared, Behold, Fear, Feared, Filled, Frightened, Glory, Messenger, Round, Shining, Shone, Sore, Stood, Suddenly, Terribly, Terrified, Terror
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 2:9

     1045   God, glory of
     1193   glory, revelation of
     1194   glory, divine and human
     5395   lordship, human and divine
     5962   surprises

Luke 2:1-20

     2515   Christ, birth of

Luke 2:1-40

     5652   babies

Luke 2:4-16

     5099   Mary, mother of Christ

Luke 2:8-11

     8289   joy, of church

Luke 2:8-12

     5426   news

Luke 2:8-15

     4170   host of heaven

Luke 2:8-18

     5433   occupations

Luke 2:8-20

     4112   angels, messengers

Luke 2:9-10

     5408   messenger
     8754   fear

Luke 2:9-11

     4140   angel of the Lord
     5263   communication

Library
December 25. "I Bring You Glad Tidings" (Luke ii. 10).
"I bring you glad tidings" (Luke ii. 10). A Christmas spirit should be a spirit of humanity. Beside that beautiful object lesson on the Manger, the Cradle, and the lowly little child, what Christian heart can ever wish to be proud? It is a spirit of joy. It is right that these should be glad tidings, for, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy which shall be to all people." It is a spirit of love. It should be the joy that comes from giving joy to others. The central fact of Christmas is
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Was, Is, is to Come
'... The babe lying in a manger...'--LUKE ii. 16. '... While He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven...'--LUKE xxiv. 51. 'This same Jesus... shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go...'--ACTS I. 11. These three fragments, which I have ventured to isolate and bring together, are all found in one author's writings. Luke's biography of Jesus stretches from the cradle in Bethlehem to the Ascension from Olivet. He narrates the Ascension twice, because it has two
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Boy in the Temple
'And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me! wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?' --LUKE ii. 49. A number of spurious gospels have come down to us, which are full of stories, most of them absurd and some of them worse, about the infancy of Jesus Christ. Their puerilities bring out more distinctly the simplicity, the nobleness, the worthiness of this one solitary incident of His early days, which has been preserved for us. How has it been preserved? If you will look over
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Simeon's Swan-Song
'Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: 30. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.'--LUKE ii. 29,30. That scene, when the old man took the Infant in his withered arms, is one of the most picturesque and striking in the Gospel narrative. Simeon's whole life appears, in its later years, to have been under the immediate direction of the Spirit of God. It is very remarkable to notice how, in the course of three consecutive verses, the operation of that divine Spirit
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Shepherds and Angels
'And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. 10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Angel's Message and Song
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD . And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

December the Nineteenth the Sun of Righteousness
"A light to lighten the Gentiles." --LUKE ii. 25-40. That was the wonder of wonders. Hitherto the light had been supposed to be for Israel alone; and now a heavenly splendour was to fall upon the Gentiles. Hitherto the light had been thought of as a lamp, illuming a single place; now it was to be a sun, shedding its glory upon a world. The "people that sat in darkness" are now to see "a great light." New regions are to be occupied; there is to be daybreak everywhere! "The Sun of Righteousness
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

December the Twenty-Fifth Christmas Cheer
"Good will toward men!" --LUKE ii. 8-20. The heavens are not filled with hostility. The sky does not express a frown. When I look up I do not contemplate a face of brass, but the face of infinite good will. Yet when I was a child, many a picture has made me think of God as suspicious, inhumanly watchful, always looking round the corner to catch me at the fall. That "eye," placed in the sky of many a picture, and placed there to represent God, filled my heart with a chilling fear. That God was
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Religious Joy.
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."--Luke ii. 10, 11. There are two principal lessons which we are taught on the great Festival which we this day celebrate, lowliness and joy. This surely is a day, of all others, in which is set before us the heavenly excellence and the acceptableness in God's sight of that state which
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Joy Born at Bethlehem
In our text we have before us the sermon of the first evangelist under the gospel dispensation. The preacher was an angel, and it was meet it should be so, for the grandest and last of all evangels will be proclaimed by an angel when he shall sound the trumpet of the resurrection, and the children of the regeneration shall rise into the fullness of their joy. The key-note of this angelic gospel is joy--"I bring unto you good tidings of great joy." Nature fears in the presence of God--the shepherds
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

"Nunc Dimittis"
We shall note, this morning, first, that every believer may be assured of departing in peace; but that, secondly, some believers feel a special readiness to depart now: "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace;" and, thirdly, that there are words of encouragement to produce in us the like readiness: "according to thy word." There are words of Holy Writ which afford richest consolation in prospect of departure. I. First, then, let us start with the great general principle, which is full of comfort;
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Christ About his Father's Business
But now I shall invite your attention, first, to the spirit of the Saviour, as breathed in these words, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" and then, secondly, I shall exhort the children of God, with all the earnestness which I can command, with all the intensity of power which I can summon to the point, to labour after the same spirit, that they too may unfeignedly say, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? " I. First, then note THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST. It was
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

The First Christmas Carol
Let us turn aside, having just thought of angels for a moment, to think rather of this song, than of the angels themselves. Their song was brief, but as Kitto excellently remarks, it was "well worthy of angels expressing the greatest and most blessed truths, in words so few, that they become to an acute apprehension, almost oppressive by the pregnant fulness of their meaning"--"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men." We shall, hoping to be assisted by the Holy Spirit,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Christ's Boyhood
LUKE ii. 52. And Jesus increased in wisdom, and in stature, and in favour both with God and man. I do not pretend to understand these words. I preach on them because the Church has appointed them for this day. And most fitly. At Christmas we think of our Lord's birth. What more reasonable, than that we should go on to think of our Lord's boyhood? To think of this aright, even if we do not altogether understand it, ought to help us to understand rightly the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Christ Child (Christmas Day. )
LUKE ii. 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapt him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. Mother and child.--Think of it, my friends, on Christmas day. What more beautiful sight is there in the world? What more beautiful sight, and what more wonderful sight? What more beautiful? That man must be very far from the kingdom of God--he is not worthy to be called a man at all--whose heart has not been touched by the sight of his first child in its mother's bosom. The greatest
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Music (Christmas Day. )
LUKE ii. 13, 14. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. You have been just singing Christmas hymns; and my text speaks of the first Christmas hymn. Now what the words of that hymn meant; what Peace on earth and good-will towards man meant, I have often told you. To-day I want you, for once, to think of this--that it was a hymn; that these angels were singing, even as
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Of Having Confidence in God when Evil Words are Cast at Us
"My Son, stand fast and believe in Me. For what are words but words? They fly through the air, but they bruise no stone. If thou are guilty, think how thou wouldst gladly amend thyself; if thou knowest nothing against thyself, consider that thou wilt gladly bear this for God's sake. It is little enough that thou sometimes hast to bear hard words, for thou art not yet able to bear hard blows. And wherefore do such trivial matters go to thine heart, except that thou art yet carnal, and regardest
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
(the Temple at Jerusalem, b.c. 4) ^C Luke II. 21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Gen. xvii. 12] were fulfilled for circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" (Heb. ii. 16, 17); that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became a debtor to the law--Gal. v. 3] , his name was called JESUS [see Luke i. 59], which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke i. 31.] 22 And when the days of their
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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