Watchful Shepherds
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 good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, 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 heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:8-14
INSIGHT
Hallelujah, Jesus is born! It's time to pull out the mobile devices, snap the cutest picture of baby Jesus and Mary, and hit the send button to let the world know the true Messiah has arrived. Well, maybe that's how it would have been done today.
Word of mouth is how news traveled in biblical times, and God chose a few watchful shepherds to carry out such an important task. You can't have the Christmas story without shepherds, but when I think of all the people God could have chosen to spread the news, a shepherd is not the first to come to mind. Their ranking on the social status poll was close to the bottom. They were considered the blue-collar class, kept out of the limelight due to the constant need for security for the flock. So why shepherds?
These men were not the first of their kind to take on such an important role. King David was a shepherd. He was out tending to the flock when the prophet Samuel, sent by God, called him to be anointed as King over Israel. Perhaps God's choosing makes sense, after all. God doesn't need established, successful individuals to carry out His will. He selects anyone who is available, and this availability is open to all.
I can imagine the excitement they must have felt after finding what the angel said to be true. Jesus was born. Pure delight must have been rushing through their very being and was indeed expressed to the people they told. I can see them sharing the news with anyone they came in contact with, anyone who would listen.
But, what mattered most and caused a lasting impact over time was a changed life. Speaking about life change only makes sense if we live differently. A transformed heart is seen through a kind word, an extended hand, acting with integrity, owning up to our shortcomings, and looking for ways to give rather than get.
Consistent effort, generosity, and humility over time matter and speak volumes. There are opportunities all around us to be the church, and many aren't these grand sweeping moments but ordinary occasions to love others. By sharing our lives, we share our story and invite someone else into the much larger story God is telling.
REFLECTION
How can you share your faith through your words and actions this holiday season?
What would it look like for you to live out Christ's message of hope today?
PRAYER
God, thank you for sending Your Son. I pray that I would be encouraged to share with the world the good news of Jesus's birth. Much like the shepherds who listened and obeyed and were filled with praise, may I also rise to the occasion for Your glory. Give me joy as I do so, knowing Your story is too good to keep to ourselves. In Your name, Amen.