Reflection #1 on "Adoration" by Newsboys  [song lyrics]

• originally released by solidsounds.org, 01/05/2004
• author: Suzy C.
• scripture reference: Luke 2:8-11, 16

	From the album "Adoration: The Worship Album" (2003) Read the song lyrics...

"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened" (Luke 2:8-9 NASB).

Have you ever been terribly frightened? Has someone ever suddenly startled you, appearing out from behind a door or from behind a piece of furniture? Well, these shepherds had a terrible fright the night Jesus was born-the shock of their lives.

The Newsboys have recorded a song about the birth of Christ from the perspective of the shepherds called "Adoration." The Bible tells us that these shepherds went through the whole gambit of emotions that night. They were startled, frightened, filled with wonder, curiosity, and praise to God. It started out like any other night-they sat watching the sheep, how boring. But suddenly there was an angel and the glory of the Lord. These shepherds had never seen anything like this.

That night marked a change in God's relationship with man. And these shepherds saw the glory of the Lord. They did not see it from a distance. No, it surrounded them. It engulfed them. The joy of heaven spilled into the field that night as the angels declared a new day had come.

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord'" (Luke 2:10-11 NASB).

A Savior for all people. Jesus had not spoken a word. He had not opened one blind eye, healed one cripple. Yet, this angel called Him the Savior of all people.

You see, the salvation Jesus brought to us was not merely a single act He completed on the cross, it was what He was-Immanuel, God with us. That is why we study His life. Because His life, His fellowship with the Father, is the life He has purchased for us. He prayed that we would know the same love that God had for Him; that this great love would be in us. That He would be in us.

"So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger" (Luke 2:16 NASB).

These shepherds were the first to hear of the arrival of the Savior and their response was to hurry to Him. And once they had seen Him they went and told others, giving praise to and glorifying God. Have you responded as they did? Have you hurried to the Savior? Have you come to Him in adoration and wonder and accepted His great gift of life? That day forever changed the lives of the shepherds.

The day I came to the Savior forever changed my life. How about you? Open your Bible today, review the second chapter of Luke and renew the wonder of that moment. Christmas may be over, but God is with us today and forever.

God is with us here
Our Immanuel
God is with us here
Our Immanuel

O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Jesus, Our Immanuel
Is with us here and he won't let go

--Suzy C.

Scripture Reference: Luke 2:8-11, 16