MPV Commentary

Newborn Babe.

8. The shepherds were staying in the fields, watching their flocks by night. From Passover time to autumn, they would pasture their sheep constantly in the open fields, lodging there all that time. This suggests that Jesus' birth likely occurred earlier than the commonly assigned period.

It's unlikely that these shepherds were chosen for this encounter without any consideration of their spiritual state. They probably shared Simeon's expectation of the Messiah (Luke 2:25). Their rustic simplicity, quiet occupation, and the stillness of the night may have prepared them to receive this news.

9. The glory of the Lord appeared to them, filling them with fear (Daniel 10:7-8; Luke 1:12; Revelation 1:17). This was a momentary encounter meant to serve a specific purpose.

10. The angel's message was for all people in Israel, and later it would be revealed to the entire world (Luke 2:14).

11. A child is born to you, shepherds, in the city of David (Isaiah 9:6). This birth is significant because "the Word became flesh" (John 1:14). The timing of this event is crucial, as it occurs on this very day and in the right location.

The child is a Savior, born to bring glory to God. This title emphasizes that Jesus was not just a future savior but one who has already been born with this purpose. He is also referred to as Christ the Lord, a magnificent appellation that corresponds to the Hebrew name Jehovah (Alford).

12. The sign of this event is the contrast between the child's divine nature and his humble circumstances. They would find a majestic Savior in a lowly manger.

13. Suddenly, more angels appeared with the first angel, celebrating the news they had brought.

14. A heavenly host sang a brief but glorious hymn, praising God for the birth of this Saviour (Luke 2:14). The hymn consists of three clauses: "Glory to God," "peace on earth," and "good will to men." This song reflects the angels' understanding that Jesus brings peace with God and divine complacency towards humanity.

15. The shepherds responded with simplicity and faith, saying, "Let us go and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us" (Luke 2:8). They were not distracted by the angels or their glory but were eager to experience this event firsthand.

16. With haste, they found Mary and Joseph, and saw the child lying in a manger. This was a mysterious encounter guided by the Spirit.

17. Before returning home, they made known the news of Jesus' birth to others (Luke 2:20), becoming the first evangelists.

20. The shepherds glorified and praised God for what they had heard and seen, likely singing a canticle from the Psalter that reflected their simple yet profound emotions.