Luke 2:9 – “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, an angel suddenly appears to the shepherds who are out in the fields at night. The angel’s arrival is dramatic and awe-inspiring, with the “glory of the Lord” lighting up the darkness around them. This divine glory, often associated with God’s presence, is overwhelming and terrifying to the shepherds. Their fear is a natural human reaction when encountering something beyond earthly experience.
The shepherds weren’t expecting a divine encounter. They were doing their usual job of watching over the sheep when God interrupted their night with a message that would change the world. The angel’s presence signals that something extraordinary is happening—the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
In biblical times, encounters with angels were often viewed as terrifying and awe-inspiring events. Angels were seen as messengers of God, often bringing important messages or announcements that carried significant weight. The shepherds’ fear reflects the common belief that encountering a heavenly being could mean judgment or some other serious event.
The “glory of the Lord” mentioned here is a common Old Testament expression that refers to God’s presence. For example, when God’s presence filled the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 40:34-35), it was described as His glory shining so powerfully that no one could enter. Similarly, God’s glory appeared on Mount Sinai when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments (Exodus 24:15-17). The fact that this same glory now appeared to shepherds in a field reveals that God was doing something new—bringing His presence directly to ordinary people.
Theological Implications
This verse illustrates that God’s glory and presence are no longer confined to temples or sacred places. With the birth of Jesus, God’s presence is now accessible to all, even humble shepherds in a field. The angel’s appearance to the shepherds signifies that salvation is not reserved for the religious elite but is available to everyone.
The shepherds’ fear also reflects the human reaction when encountering God’s holiness. Throughout Scripture, when people come face-to-face with divine beings or God’s presence, they often experience fear because they recognize their own sinfulness. But the good news of this story is that the angel brings a message of peace and joy, not judgment. This shows that God’s purpose is to redeem, not to condemn.
Literary Analysis
Luke uses vivid imagery to create a dramatic and powerful scene. The sudden appearance of the angel and the bright shining glory of the Lord contrast sharply with the quiet darkness of the night. This contrast emphasizes that something world-changing is taking place.
The phrase “they were terrified” is key to understanding the significance of the moment. The shepherds’ fear underscores the greatness of God’s glory and the seriousness of what is happening. But it also sets the stage for the angel’s comforting message in the next verse, where the angel tells them not to be afraid because of the good news being announced.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 24:17 – “To the Israelites, the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”
- Isaiah 6:5 – When Isaiah saw a vision of the Lord, he said, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips…”
- Luke 1:11-12 – Zechariah was “gripped with fear” when an angel of the Lord appeared to him.
- John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds Christians that God often shows up in unexpected places and at unexpected times. Just as the shepherds were going about their normal routine when the angel appeared, God can interrupt our daily lives to reveal His purposes. It challenges us to stay open and watchful for how God might be working in our lives.
It also reassures us that even when we feel unworthy or fearful, God’s message to us is one of love and redemption. The shepherds’ fear was met with good news, and in the same way, we can trust that God’s intentions toward us are good.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that He didn’t send His angel to kings or religious leaders—He sent the message of Jesus’ birth to humble shepherds. This shows that His love is for everyone, including those society often overlooks. God’s glory didn’t come to intimidate the shepherds but to invite them into the joy of knowing the Savior.
The shepherds’ initial fear is also a reminder that God’s holiness and love go hand in hand. While His presence is awe-inspiring and powerful, His purpose is to bring peace, not terror. The angel’s message that follows confirms that God’s love is the driving force behind this extraordinary event.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The glory of the Lord shining around the shepherds foreshadows the way Jesus, as the “light of the world” (John 8:12), would bring light into spiritual darkness. Just as the shepherds’ night was interrupted by heavenly light, Jesus would come to bring the light of salvation to a dark and broken world.
The angel’s announcement is also directly tied to Jesus’ mission. The angel wasn’t just delivering a random message—he was declaring the arrival of the Messiah, the one who would fulfill God’s plan to save humanity. This event points forward to Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd who would gather and care for His people (John 10:14).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the shepherds were chosen to be the first to hear about Jesus’ birth?
- What does the shepherds’ fear teach us about encountering God’s holiness and glory?
- How can you be more open to unexpected ways that God might reveal Himself in your life?
- What does this verse teach you about the nature of God’s love for ordinary people?
- How does the image of God’s glory shining in the darkness encourage you when facing difficult times?