Psalm 112:4 (NIV)
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright.
The sky was dark that night above the pastures surrounding little Bethlehem Ephrathah, just a few miles from the magnificent Holy Temple of Jerusalem. While the highly respected priests and scribes slept in their luxurious homes on silken sheets, a group of uneducated shepherds shivered as they watched over their defenseless flocks. While we may think of them as being on the lowest rung of society, these shepherds of St. Luke’s account were righteous workers who took their responsibility seriously.
Scholars believe Jesus’ birth probably took place during the spring when new lambs were being born—each tiny animal was easy prey for a wolf or a lion. The shepherds would have been on constant watch. To fall asleep even for five minutes would give a predator the opportunity for a midnight snack.
It was hard, unrewarding work that required constant vigilance, for the flock’s owner would accept no excuse for losses. Each shepherd was responsible for an accurate headcount the next morning.
In the midst of this dark, chilly night, a glorious light suddenly appeared, terrorizing the men. (The sheep themselves seemed to have remained unperturbed, for Luke does not mention them stampeding!)
“Fear not!” (Angels always have to introduce themselves this way, else their hearers would all die of fright.) “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” (Luke 2:10-14 NIV). At this moment, the great curtain separating heaven and earth was peeled aside, and humanity was given a glimpse of its incredible glory.
The shepherds were not scholars of the Law, but every Jewish boy was taught the Torah from the age of six. They knew the Law and the prophets. They knew the time of the Messiah’s coming was at hand. This was the great news all Israel had been waiting to hear! And to think, God sent angels to tell them! They were filled with great, overwhelming joy!
How did they find the manger so quickly? There is much the Bible does not tell us. Perhaps the angel gave them specific directions. But they left their sheep (safe in the angels’ care?) “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, all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:16-18 NIV).
Isn’t this just like God? He sent His most wonderful announcement to some of the simplest, most insignificant men in all of Israel! Whosoever will, may come!
He still does this today. “I won’t reject anyone who comes to me” (John 6:37 NTFE). And once we have found Him, we want to tell everyone about Him!
Merry, Merry Christmas!