The angel’s message (1) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

There were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:8

The angel's message (1)
When Jesus was born, Mary laid the Child in a manger. Who were the first to rejoice with the parents? Was it the leading citizens of Bethlehem? No, they were simple shepherds.

The tribal heads of the people of Israel and king David had been shepherds. Later God Himself was to compare David's way of ruling as king with the activity of a shepherd (cf. Psalm 78, 70 - 72). The Pharisees looked down on the common people; who neither obeyed nor knew the Pharisees' regulations in every detail (cf. John 7, 49). But God called upon simple shepherds to pay homage to the newborn child!

Like a miniature painting, the story of Jesus' birth sets forth the wonderful message of God's love in many details. God chose shepherds to be informed of His Son's birth. Today the Bible and also the leaves of our calendar speak of it: in the living-room, in the town hall, in the office, in prisons, in hospitals and homes for senior citizens. It speaks to people receiving unemployment benefit, to the middle class and to the wealthy. None is too old, too young, too poor or too rich to be disqualified.

However, people often assert that the Bible cannot be understood without the explanation of theologians. Do not be deceived! It is not true. God spoke through the angel on that occasion, and the shepherds understood and set out. Now He speaks through the Bible. "The word of God is living and powerful and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4, 12). Please pay attention to it!

(to be continued tomorrow)

Today's reading: Obadiah vv. 1 - 21