31 Days of Christmas – Day #14

Just Shepherds

Sheep intended for sacrifice in the Temple in Jerusalem were pastured 5 miles away in the hills of Bethlehem. I was one of those simple shepherds caring for the flocks when the birth of Jesus was first announced.

Of all the people involved who witnessed that amazing birth, we were the only ones who didn’t have to travel to get to Christmas. The angels had come from the other side of heaven. The Wise Men from the other side of the world. Joseph and Mary from the other side of the country. But the shepherds, we bowed at the manger which was within range of our voices. Christmas came to us.
Understand this. We shepherds were considered lowly people. We were at the bottom rung of the social ladder. No one was lower than tax collectors, prostitutes, and shepherds. So why should we be honored with God’s Good News? Well . . .
The regular townspeople in Bethlehem were too caught up in the excitement of the visiting crowds to pay any attention. The innkeeper was busy assigning rooms. Herod was worried about a rival King. The scribes and Pharisees were looking for a military ruler to deliver them from the hated Romans. Would these people care about a baby, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger? NOT ON YOUR LIFE!
So God passed up the important folks and spoke to the ordinary. He shared the news with those who would listen, even lowly shepherds.
And God still hasn’t changed. If you can’t come to Bethlehem for Christmas, don’t worry. Christmas will come to you!