FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
 
The Shepherds were oppressed by Caesar Augustus and as a result they were looking for the Messiah.  As earnest and humble as they were they had a misconception of who Jesus Christ would be in His earthly human body.  They just seemed to have this impression that He would be a political conqueror.  There were some other misconceptions the Shepherds had that I think were really naive but God was looking at their hearts.  He heard their cry as it were, and they were in the presence of a great light-an angel giving them a message to fear not Christ the Lord as a baby will be lying in a manger.  I am just looking at this scene.  They were probably oppressed and depressed and then a great light came upon them.  As Believers we have to understand the heart of God.  He desires to set us free.  The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.  Isaiah 61:1-2.  What a message of hope in our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ.
 
Bob D.