The announcement of Christ's birth was given in two different ways. The revelation was not different, but the manner was. The wise men had to journey from the East after years of study, months of seeking, nights of pursuing, and hours of toil. (Matt. 2) But for the shepherds, there's no seeking at all. They were not gazing quizzically into the night sky, looking for a sign. They were busy keeping watch over their flocks by night. And suddenly, an angel came, along with the glory of the LORD with the heavenly hosts, heralding a message of hope and peace. What took the wise men years to find, the shepherds found in a moment.
Why the contrast? Can we make sense of it? Yes, and it is just this…while the revelation of Christ is always the same, the way it comes can be quite different. For some, Christ is revealed like the Day Star, rising in the heart by degrees over time. (2 Pet. 1:19) To others, He’s revealed instantly. (Acts 9) Both are a revelation of Christ, the Son of the Living God. So, let's not become methodists, thinking it happens only one way. Both are beautiful sovereign acts of God's Spirit upon the fallen heart.
But shall we go? Now that's the question. When the star of the gospel shines, will we, like the magi, follow where it leads? Until Christ is formed in us? (Gal. 4:19) If the message comes suddenly, like the shepherds, will we go and see these things which have come to pass? Dear one, it's not so much how the revelation comes but that it’s come… and what we do with it. For unto us, a Child is born. Unto us, a Son is given.
Friends, come, let us go even now unto Bethlehem.
Even now