Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
“When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord has made known to us.” So they hurried off and located Mary and Joseph, and found the baby lying in a manger. When they saw him, they related what they had been told about this child, and all who heard it were astonished at what the shepherds said. But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering in her heart what they might mean. So the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; everything was just as they had been told.” –Luke 2:15-16
Notice the “HASTE, HASTE.” The Shepherds did not delay, but “hurried off” to see the newborn king. And they promptly told all that would listen about the wonderful things they heard. They were not simply eager to get something FROM Christ, as many would later do (ex: Mark 6:55; 10:17). They genuinely longed just to see “the Babe,” to “bring Him laud” (praise) and share the glorious news.
What have we done with the amazing announcement of Emmanuel? “Wait,” we may protest, “I have not heard a choir of angels make an announcement. I have not seen the Christ child with my own eyes. I have not been a witness to such miraculous signs.”
Jesus tells us, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed,” (John 20:29). For those that came before and never laid eyes on the promise, they were commended for their great faith (Heb 11:39). Yet for us, for whom God has provided something better (Heb 11:40), we have heard the announcement. Perhaps not from the mouths of angels, but from blessed messengers with beautiful feet (Rom 10:14-17), who have bid us, “come and see” (John 1:46). We have been given much, so much will be required of us (Luke 12:48).
God has come into the world and lived among men, taken their sufferings and sin upon Himself, and endured the divine wrath we deserve in order to cleanse us and offer us peace with God. We have laid eyes on the one who is infinitely lovely, and heard the proclamation of His great works: not just what He has done on the cross, but what He will do on His return. To hear of this “great salvation” (Heb 2:3) and not believe on it is “wickedness beyond imagination” (Charles Leiter). Jesus tells us that it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for those who have heard this great news and rejected it (Mat 10:14-15).
Oh, that we would plead first with ourselves, and then with all who would hear, “Haste, haste to bring him laud.” While there is still time, rush to fall down at His gracious feet. Do not allow the cares of this world to delay you (Mark 4:19). Do not be the ungrateful invited who felt their own agenda more important than honoring the king (Luke 14:16-20). Make haste to see Christ and tell the world of Emmanuel. Give Him the praise He deserves—all of it (Rev 5:13).
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
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