"And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night…”
Guide, steer, lead, escort, accompany and chaperone. Shepherds had an enormous responsibility. The shepherds were responsible for feeding and protecting the flock, seeking lost sheep and rescuing those that were under attack. Shepherds protected their flock. They would guide the sheep to slow-moving and accessible water.
Nothing quiets and reassures a flock of sheep like the presence of the shepherd. When left alone, sheep become edgy, tense, discontent and restless. The sheep will lose weight and become riddled with jealousy and struggle with rivalries within the flock. It is the presence of the shepherd that settles the sheep and calms their behavior.
The shepherds have an amazing role in the birth of Christ. Christmas programs and Nativity scenes portray them posed by the Wise Men, seemingly upstaged by wealth and position. But God clearly had a different vision for the shepherds and their part in the birth of Christ.
“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 that will cause great joy for all the 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.” 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.” Luke 2:8-15
Imagine the evening the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds. I imagine a dark night, far enough from the city that the darkness covered the ground. I imagine the bright light and an angel who appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of the Savior, accompanied by a heavenly choir. The shepherds immediately responded and become the first to witness Jesus’ birth, the first to see the Lord, wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger.
Why would the shepherds be chosen as the first to receive the message that the Messiah was born? Shepherds were not considered the highest social class. Most people did not aspire to be shepherds when they were older. Yet God chose these caretakers to witness the most important birth of all times. What is the significance of God choosing shepherds, tending their flocks in the fields just outside of the town of Bethlehem, to share the news that the long-awaited Messiah has been born?
The role the shepherds play in the birth of Christ foreshadows the role of Jesus as our Shepherd. It underscores the life and ministry of Christ, not a life of luxury and power, but rather one of humble origins and extreme humility. Christ lived a similar life to shepherds and showed the same love and faithfulness to all mankind. “I am the Good Shepherd,” He would tell His disciples. “I know my sheep and my sheep know me. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary.” The presence of the Lord in our hearts and minds calms us, focuses our thoughts and creates gentleness among us. It is through the testimony and lives of the shepherds we truly learn the value of love.
The shepherd’s response to the birth of Christ sets a tremendous example for Christians to follow.
1. Seek Christ.
“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:15-16
2. Proclaim the good news and share the gospel. “And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ” Luke 2:17-19
3. Glorify God.
“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:20
In this Christmas season, become the shepherd for someone. Reach out to the friends, colleagues or neighbors that are lost. Find a way to show love to those that are unsettled or rattled. Seek ways to share the birth of Christ and spend time worshipping the Lord and expressing thanks for the greatest gift we could have ever received.
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