Shepherds and Angels

A Prayer for Peace

By Rick Bayer, December 05, 2021

Luke 2:8-14

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When God is near, He removes fear.

1. Saviour: Peace from our v. 11

Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Isaiah 1:18

2. Messiah: Peace for the v. 11

“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous! John 14:27 TPT

3. Lord: Peace for your v. 11

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”[a]— the things God has prepared for those who love him— 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Questions for personal reflection and/or Discipleship Group:

Opener:

  • If you were to rate the peace in your life that you are experiencing now on a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself?

Go to the Source:

  • Read Luke 2:8-15
  • Why of all the people, did God send the angels to the shepherds?
  • If you were there that day, how do imagine you would have reacted to this angelic announcement?

Live it out:

  • The angels came to a group of people just doing their everyday job. What does that imply about what it means to be “spiritual”?
  • How has God spoken to you in the ordinary flow of life?
  • How can you open your heart to more divine encounters?
  • The angel announced Jesus with three titles (v. 11). How can you experience more of Christ’s peace this Advent season? How can your group help?