Luke 2:10-11
The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Context and meaning
The announcement is made to shepherds — night workers, socially marginal in that period and, according to several rabbinic sources, not credible as witnesses. They are the first to know.
The line begins with "don't be afraid", because the text has just said they were filled with great fear. Only then comes the news: "good news of great joy which will be to all the people".
Three titles pile up in one line — Savior, Christ (Messiah, anointed one), Lord. Each answers a different expectation within the Judaism of the time.
And the sign offered is deliberately anticlimactic: a newborn wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. No display of power.
Together with Luke 2:14 ("glory to God in the highest, on earth peace"), this is the text most read at Christmas dinners and services. It is worth reading the first twenty verses of the chapter aloud.
Related verses
For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
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