“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
LUKE 2:8-12 NKJV
Lord, if this is You, show me a sign.
We’ve asked that before. It’s nothing new. And it didn’t offend the Lord when Gideon asked for multiple (Judges 6:36-40).
So it’s no surprise He offered a sign to these frightened shepherds before they could gather their senses to ask for one.
They’re tending sheep as usual when angels show up announcing a Savior is born.
Even though these shepherds had proximity, only Mary and Joseph experienced the process of bringing forth the Promise.
What you discover about Jesus will bless those around you. But because they weren’t part of the process, your testimony will seem threatening at first.
They’ll need a sign to encourage them to believe it.
And often, the sign is finding Jesus where they’d least expect Him.
The same One later found speaking with prostitutes and tax collectors, is now lying in a manger where animals go to feed. Go figure.
Vanessa A. Harris 