Listeners, this episode is a out of chronological order in our study of Luke, but the message is so good we included it anyway!

People suffer hardship and rejection for different reasons. Sometimes we reap the bitter fruit of our own mistakes or rebellion. Sometimes we reap the bitter fruit of others' mistakes or rebellion. Yet, sometimes we suffer precisely because we are doing what God has asked us to do. Obedience to Him can bring hostility from people and oppression from the devil, and these can leave us feeling deeply discouraged. But if God's will has led us into hardship, then we can be sure He won't forsake us in the middle of it. In this passage for today, we see Mary giving birth to Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem, and it appears she's having to do this alone. Under these circumstances it's hard to imagine Mary wasn't discouraged as she had to wrap her own baby and put Him in a feeding trough for a crib. So, God did a wonderful miracle to encourage her. He found a group of godly shepherds still awake at that time of night and let them see the joy that heaven felt over the birth of her Son. In effect He sent the shepherds as prophets to encourage and comfort her in those dark moments. And we learn from this that God will also encourage us when His will has gotten us into trouble. He'll let us know He loves us and hasn't forgotten us, and His plan is right on track.

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