In all honesty, I believe the shepherds are my favorite participants in the original “Christmas” event. Culture and tradition reveal that sheep-herding was about the lowest occupation of the time and generally delegated to the youngest son. Big brothers had the better chores and little brothers were scooted outside to brave the elements and tend the sheep. Perhaps this is why Samuel had to wait for Jesse to bring his youngest son David in from the field; after all, how could Jesse imagine that scruffy young boy was to be anointed as a future king? (cf., 1 Samuel 16:1-13) Being a shepherd was also dangerous, especially during the dark evening hours full of hungry wild animals and ruthless thieves. It is in this setting we find the little band of shepherds.
Luke 2:8 (NIV) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
It was the little band of shepherds who opened at least three brown paper packages that night. Can you imagine how frightening it would be out in the darkest night when the first angel appeared and the brightness of the glory of God shone around them? No wonder they were terrified. Just as Mary had done, so too, the shepherds also unwrap their first package to discover the gift of calming peace as the angel brings good news full of joy. To the shepherds’ amazement, when the first angel finishes speaking, a great company of the heavenly host appears and together they sing praises: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests (vs. 13-14).”
Now the shepherds unwrap their second package to discover the gift of boldness.
Luke 2:15-16 (NIV) 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.
Finally, a third brown paper package is unwrapped by the shepherds. This gift is simply amazing. This little group of scruffy boys, most likely filthy and smelling somewhat like the flocks they tended, is given a precious package – the gift of credibility. Placed within a culture who generally despised them and dismiss their stories as incredulous; the shepherds are the ones chosen to sound the Good News—and the crowds believe them and are amazed!
Luke 2:17-18, 20 (NIV) When they [shepherds] had seen him [Jesus], 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. ... The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
In today’s world full of turmoil, we are given an inner calming peace. When our hearts shrink back for fear of what someone else might think, we are given boldness to proclaim the Good News. And most of all, there will be a day coming when all the world will realize our proclamation of Good News is credible for it will happen just as we have been told.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the brown paper package of calming peace to quiet our fears. Thank you for the brown paper package of boldness to act upon the opportunities you give us to be the light that shines in darkness, and forgive our moments of hesitation. Thank you for trusting us with the brown paper package of credibility that the words we speak are true according to your Word.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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