Shepherds

A 21st century Christmas

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And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

21 centuries have come and gone since what began as a dark lonely night in Bethlehem. Jesus was not expected that night. Joseph and Mary had planned and hoped for a quiet and safe place but Jesus came to the stable. Mary remembered the messages of Gabriel and her cousin Elizabeth of His greatness but no one even took time to turn their head to notice. The Son of God came into the world on a night when all that was expected was for Joseph to pay his taxes. Though the date is still unknown we set aside December 25 to mark His birth. We can be like shepherds coming in from our fields to tell the wonderful news of God’s salvation. We can be like wise men bringing our gifts and worship because our King is here! We can be Joseph and Mary, ready to leave at moments notice to bring Jesus anywhere God leads us. Yes this world is dark and only the humble have a place for Him and still He comes. Yes powerful forces more evil than Herod wish to eradicate Him from the earth yet He rules a kingdom that can never be overthrown. Yes there are some who will not so much as turn their heads to give notice to His presence but He still accepts frightened shepherds, weary travelers and curious children. He still waits with the good news of great joy for all who believe in Him!

How Will We Come?

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And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  Luke 2:12 KJV

Try to imagine how the shepherds reacted after hearing the angel’s message, then being astonished at a crowd of more angels suddenly appearing in song. Can you picture with me sandaled feet eagerly tripping over rocks and roots along the dark pathway leading down into the village? Can you hear them eagerly urging one another on as they rush towards the stable filled with animals, hay and one small child?

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And how will we come? Will we shower and shave, then carefully pick out our finest new clothes for the church service? Will we slowly decide which tie best fits the mood for Christmas? Have we shined our shoes and carefully combed our hair? Where is the desperate flight towards the place of Jesus? Where is the longing to see if it is just as the angel said? How are we to come to the manger this year? Will it be just another soft sleek and memorable Christmas or will we join the earnest footsteps of the shepherds thundering down the trail to the manger. If we were to come in all our regal best would we even recognize Him, the very Son of the Highest lying quietly among cows and sheep and wrapped in swaddling cloths?

Songs of Christmas

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“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation            Luke 1:46-50

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Christmas is about the songs God gives. Mary sang her song when she heard the news of the Child who was to be born. God sent a song with angels for shepherds and light for people in darkness. God chose Bethlehem, the city of the shepherd David whose songs make up the book of Psalms.  I know a little of the darkness of barns and remember walking every morning to the barn across our dirt road long ago.  I would first light a little stub of a candle and put it on the beam near the stall. Then I would put a little corn and hay into the feed-trough and gently wash the cow with the warm water that I had brought over in the milk pail. In a quiet and humble place just like that, our Lord Jesus was born among cattle and hay with maybe a barn cat or two to observe the scene. A young woman named Mary was giving birth in the stable with only Joseph by her side. In that moment the air was pierced by the music of the cry of one child who came to give His life for our world. If we tune our ears we will find that we can still hear that song of hope from the stable of Bethlehem 2000 years ago.