The Shepherds

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Scripture: Luke 2:8-14 (NRSV)

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14           “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

Devotion:

            Today, we consider the shepherds. These folks were in charge of their flocks of sheep to care for and feed them. It was night and the shepherds were simply watching over their flocks to see that no harm would come to them in the darkness. It started out as an ordinary evening. Silence fell over the flock as the sheep took their rest. Perhaps even some of the shepherds took a moment to slumber in the dark and quiet of world that night. Little did this band of shepherds know they were about to have an extraordinary encounter that would change their lives.

            These humble shepherds, deemed unclean by society, were about to get a shocking message. All the more shocking because of the low status they held in culture at the time. While they were watching their sheep suddenly appearing to them out of heaven was an angel. This appearance caused great fear to come upon these humble shepherds. So much so that the angel must say to them “be not afraid.” The angel bears good news. The angel brings the best news that the long-awaited savior has been born in Bethlehem. Even better, the angel invites these poor shepherds to see the savior.

            The single angel suddenly becomes a whole army of angels that fill the sky announcing the good news and praising God. Those poor shepherds must have been in shock. Why would God care so much about a band of lowly shepherds that the announcement of the Messiah would come to them. These shepherds we are told later decide to go and seek this child of promise. Their joy was so great.

            What does this angelic announcement to the shepherds mean to us today? That no matter how humble or sinful we may be Jesus comes to bring good news to us. The announcement of his birth is good news for everyone. Especially those who are downtrodden and marginalized. No one is shut out of the kingdom that Jesus came to establish. We all have a place in God’s kingdom if we will only claim it. Let us praise God for his grace and mercy toward us.

Prayer:

            Lord God, we praise you because you see past the world's trappings into our hearts. You made your salvation known to a group of lowly shepherds. Blessing them with entrance into your kingdom ahead of the wealthy and wise. Thank you for your great grace and love to us that we might know your Son even from his birth. Help us to live worthy of the love you have lavished upon us. Amen.

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