DAY 18: The Adoration of the Shepherds
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:8-16 ESV
My Thoughts:
It’s significant that the first people told of the Christ Child’s birth are shepherds tending their sheep out in the fields. Shepherds in Jesus’ day were part of the lowest level of Palestinian society. They cared for the sheep that would someday end up on someone’s plate or on the Temple’s altar as a sacrifice. And the nature of shepherds’ work kept them in the fields and out of the city and society. Because of their isolated status in the fields, they couldn’t maintain ceremonial washings or observe the religious festivals and feasts. And yet they were the first to meet the Lamb of God who would be sacrificed for His people and the Good Shepherd who knows His flock by name.
The Angel Gabriel Appearing to the Shepherds by Alfred Morgan, 1800s
And like the wise men from the east, they must have been guarding their sheep outside of Bethlehem. But they made the journey to see the long-awaited for Messiah. And what’s more, the shepherds weren’t only the first to meet Jesus when He was born. They were the only ones who came that night. And like many of the biblical stories, the shepherds were unlikely witnesses. Shepherds weren’t allowed to testify in court. But they were the first to go and tell the good news to others!
Let us be as humble as the shepherds, to hear God’s voice in our lives. And let us also be as faithful and obedient as the shepherds to go where God calls us.
Prayer:
Lord, we have not kept watch for you.
We have occupied ourselves with our own concerns.
We have not waited to find your will for us.
We have not noticed the needs of the people around us.
We have not acknowledged the love that has been shown to us.
Forgive us for our lack of watchfulness.
Help us to wait to know your will.
Help us to look out for the needs of others.
Help us to work and watch for your coming. Amen.
