And the angel said unto them,
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 wrapped in swaddling clothes,
\lying in a manger.
Luke 2:10-12
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?
this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven,
shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1:11
Angels spoke directly to the shepherds and to Jesus’ disciples. These were ordinary people, not religious or political leaders. In the case of the shepherds, they were just out doing their job. You could say that they were in the right place at the right time! And the disciples were just ordinary people too; however, there is one difference between the two groups and their heavenly messengers: The disciples had come through an extraordinary event—the resurrection of Jesus Christ! AND they were watching their beloved Savior ascend into the heavens when the angels came to speak to them.
Both messages are full of reassurance. The Christmas angel comforts them with phrases like ‘fear not,’ ‘good tidings,’ and ‘great joy.’ This angel heralded the great news of a coming Savior to his astonished audience. The Acts angels question the disciples, asking them why they’re just standing there looking up. And then, they also give a wonderful message of reassurance: Jesus is coming back just like you watched him depart!
Just ordinary people with extraordinary messengers proclaiming the good news. The shepherds went to see; the disciples would soon go and tell. I encourage you to go and see the Christmas story with fresh eyes. Take the time to read it several times, and then you will be ready to go and tell because we have the rest of the story! Allow the Good News of the coming Savior to reassure you that your Savior is truly living within you. You ask me how I know He lives—He lives within my heart!
Beyond Common Sense 