8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before 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; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”
When you read this familiar passage from Luke... take a moment to consider... In those days.. when a new lamb was born the shepherds would be called to come and inspect it. They were to judge the lamb to see if it were fit to be presented for the Passover.
And in that light... the story of Jesus and the Manger appears a bit different does it not? Jesus was the Passover Lamb. And God called the shepherds to come inspect Him. And while we're at it... let's look at one more scripture:
Genesis 22:8
And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
Now what if this were read "God will provide Himself, a lamb, for a burnt offering.
Because that is what happened. God provided Himself. And set out Himself as a lamb for the sacrifice.
Thanks be to God.
Merry Christmas.
