“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!””Revelation 5:12 ESV

The overlooked shepherds became the first evangelists to witness and spread the news of the birth of the prophesied Messiah, Jesus Christ. God did not choose to reveal the birth of His Son to kings, scribes, or religious leaders. Instead, He reached out to the lowly, declaring that the Messiah had come for all people—every race, creed, and color.

Shepherds were uniquely positioned to understand this moment. They were the ones entrusted with caring for the firstborn lambs destined for temple sacrifice. These lambs were meticulously inspected for perfection and then wrapped in cloths and laid in a manger to protect them from injury. When the angels revealed that the Savior was swaddled and lying in a manger, the shepherds immediately recognized the divine symbolism. They could relate to the birth of the perfect Lamb of God.

That night, the shepherds witnessed heaven touching earth as a heavenly host joined the angels, praising and glorifying the newborn Jesus Christ. What they saw was not merely a baby, but the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

The Lamb of God points us back to Genesis, where God provided a ram for sacrifice, sparing Isaac’s life when Abraham obeyed in faith:

“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.”

Genesis 22:13 ESV

Centuries later, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of this Lamb—One who would be oppressed and afflicted, bearing all our iniquities, walking silently like a lamb led to the slaughter to bring us peace:

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”

Isaiah 53:7 ESV

John the Baptist later confirmed this prophetic image, boldly declaring the identity of Jesus:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

John 1:29 ESV

The book of Revelation gives us a powerful and eternal picture of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God. Angels, elders, and every created being in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea join together in worship and praise:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

Revelation 5:11–12 ESV

There is a profound message hidden within the humble manger.

During this season, we see homes, offices, and shops decorated with baby Jesus figures in different shapes in a manger. In some cultures, He is even worshiped as though He remains an infant.

Let these decorations us not diminish the value of Jesus by seeing Him only as a child. Instead, let us worship Him as King, Ruler, and Judge—crowned with majesty, filled with glory, and returning soon to reign forever and ever.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, open our eyes to see You not only in the manger, but on the throne. Help us worship You in truth and reverence, honoring Your sacrifice and Your coming kingdom. May our hearts forever proclaim, Worthy is the Lamb. Amen.