The 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 you good news of great joy that will be for all 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 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." ( Luke 2:8-20 NIV).

In all our thirty years of raising sheep, we never had a sighting of angels. They must have had some sort of calming effect on the sheep or the flock would have been frightened, as the shepherds were. I can't imagine such a scene but I believe it happened with my whole heart. The shepherds held an important role in the birth of our Savior. They spread the news about Jesus Christ being born. The prophets foretold the story and the story lives on.

The shepherds touched Mary's heart and confirmed to her that her son was God's Son. Who else would have a herd of sheep and shepherds arrive at the stable doorstep to proclaim that Christ the Lord had been born. What a sight! What a wonder! Christ our Savior is born!

May the wonder of Christ's birth remain in your heart today. Amen.