Experience Christmas is a 19-day devotional series based on the Scriptural narrative and aimed at creating space during a beautiful, but hectic time of year to wonder at the miracle of Christmas. You’re joining us on day twelve, with music from The Piano Guys and thoughts on God’s heart for the fringe riders of our world.

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Angels We Have Heard on High, The Piano Guys
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Luke 2:8-20

Jesus is finally here. While Mary and Joseph quietly revel in the miracle of this new child, God begins spreading the Good News of His promised Son’s arrival.

In an instant, a group of Shepherds guarding their flocks of sheep outside of Bethlehem are terrifyingly stunned by the awesome presence of God’s messenger.

Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news – the Savior, God’s promised Messiah has been born today.

The Angel tells them where to find the baby and how they will recognize Him, and in the blink of another eye, one Angel becomes the host of heavens armies splashed across the sky, praising God in loud and confident voices.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
– Luke 2:14 (NKJV)

Now this is the type of welcome we would expect to herald the birth of the King of Kings. But this announcement, bold and supernatural, displaying the might of heaven, is significant in another very important way.

There is no royalty in the fields outside of Bethlehem. The High Priest is likely tucked away living the events of an ordinary evening somewhere near Jerusalem. Anyone with a platform or respected influence of any kind is noticeably absent and unaware of this most blessed and holy event.

Shepherds were at the bottom of the social food chain in ancient Rome. They had few rights, little influence, and even less significance in the society they lived.

This people group, most often ignored, riding on the fringe of acceptable society, are the ones God reveals His Son to first.

The shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the LORD has told us about.” – Luke 2:15 NLT

These shepherds are validated by the God who sees beyond their status and situation. They are the privileged few who hear God’s announcement first hand, and then become the first messengers of His glad tidings and good news.

How blessed are we that Christ did not only come in a way we could see Him and know Him, but He came for all of us, even those of us who find ourselves riding the fringe.

Consider

• What truths can you absorb into your everyday interactions from the story of the Shepherds?
• What hope is there in God for fringe riders today?

Pray

Pray that God would make you aware and sensitive to His heart for the fringe riders of our world.

Jesus thank you that you came for everyone, the marginalized, the left-out, the fringe riders. Father make us aware of your heart for the world, and the value you place on each person created in Your image.

For a complete list of devotional posts visit the Experience Christmas series page. Sign up to receive posts directly via email by completing the online subscription form and join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter by using the hashtag #ExperienceChristmasDevotional. See my disclosure page for iTunes and other affiliate information.