The Shepherds’ Task

 What do we know about the shepherds who came

to the stable and saw Mary, Joseph and the Baby the night of his birth?

Why would these men, people living on the edge of society, be called to the stable and see Jesus?

One can only imagine what Mary felt like soon after giving birth to Jesus. She would be tired, uncomfortable, hungry, probably wanting a good hot bath for herself and just needing quiet time with the baby hoping he would nurse all right.

But the news of Jesus’ birth is something that needed to be shared right away! People needed to hear the Good News of the Messiah’s birth. God knew that people of all kinds of backgrounds and abilities needed to know that God’s plan to save His people from oppressors was now in place. He needed people to tell the story.

Luke writes that the shepherds were out watching their sheep in the pastureland near Bethlehem. They were probably sleeping in the cool night air as the sheep slept or grazed. Suddenly the sky fills with angels and there is loud music and songs. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” The shepherds were not sure of what has happened and so they talk amongst themselves to realize that they were not dreaming. They wonder what to do. They have responsibility for the sheep but they realize that what has occurred is big. They decided, “To go and see this thing which has happened.” It is nighttime. How will they find the messiah? Where will they go? They were told that the baby is in a manger so they know that these feed troughs will be in a stable. They run into town and search for a stable with light.  They look inside and they see them- Mary, Joseph and the Baby.  With Mary’s permission, they enter and worship the baby. This is the Messiah!

They probably realize that Mary is tired so they leave.  They do not go out quietly! They start shouting out to whoever might hear that the Messiah, the Promised One of God was born. They have seen the Baby in the manger and He is Christ the Lord!

The shepherds were social outsiders living on the land and looking after sheep. The angels entrust this group of men to tell the world of God’s gift of Jesus to the world.  How do we know this story? Through Luke’s encounter and interview with Mary later on. For Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

Mary’s heart calmed down soon after giving birth to Jesus. Betrothed to Joseph, many knew that she was pregnant and now she had given birth and wondered what was she going to do? She had faith and trusted God.  She knew that Jesus was the Messiah and yet she worried. After the shepherds left, Mary realized that they would be the ones to tell the story. Mary was at peace at least for now. She could take care of the baby with Joseph’s help knowing that God was looking after them all.

The shepherds’ lives were changed because they had experienced the wonder and glory of angels but because they saw the Infant Jesus in the stable with his parents. That night they were the ones God needed for this special task. They were willing to go to the stable and share their experience. They not only spread the word of Jesus’ birth to everyone in Bethlehem, they brought a reminder of peace and favour to Mary and Joseph.

 

What about you? You will hear Christmas songs and carols which tell the story of Jesus’ birth? Will you do the same? Will you tell your experience of Jesus and how you met him not only in the manger and as Saviour? As we await Jesus’ coming to us again, where will you find your peace?  Where is the message of hope given to you as you seek Christ’s joy?

PRAYER

God of love we are expecting so much as we anticipate and prepare for Christ to enter our lives once again. Enable us O God to experience joy in this world made possible through Jesus’ birth. Hear our prayers O God as we seek you and know you. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.