Shepherds

Luke 2:8-20 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The shepherd’s story is one we hear every year during Christmas through church services, children’s pageants or even Charlie Brown Christmas on TV. But this year I learned something new about these verses which gave me an even deeper understanding. Are you ready for this? It was First Century cultural and societal practices for children between the ages of 7 – 12 to watch the sheep overnight. These kids were working an entry level, 3rd shift job when the Angel of the Lord came to them. The angel appeared to CHILDREN! And the children ran to see the new baby Jesus. But their story didn’t stop at the manger. These brave children told the Good News of Jesus to everyone. Let that sink in as you reread the verses above. Jesus was born for everyone! Merry Christmas