Shepherds

3rd Shift Shepherds

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And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  Luke 2:8

It seems unlikely that even one of the shepherds was laying awake thinking of God’s promised messiah that night. Instead these men were likely the third shift workers who were sent out to watch the flock after the main shepherds had gone to bed for the evening. In the small village of Bethlehem only its history held importance. No one thought much of its military or commercial value.

In the darkness of that night the unnamed and unimportant shepherds were about to become the first people on earth to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. God had remembered His people. God had remembered Bethlehem. Most astonishing of all God had remembered some shepherds whom everyone else had forgotten.

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Did you know that God has also remembered you? Have you heard that He is not satisfied to visit only the better homes in the better neighborhoods with the biggest churches with their beautiful appearances? Just as the shepherds were watching their flocks at night so God watches over us when we are going through the darkest moments of our lives. He has not forgotten. He knows right where we are. He hears us and He still sends His message of good news. There is no better place on earth to discover again the greatest news of all. Jesus Christ is born to bring light and hope and salvation to all of us who are out in our fields by night!

D-Day in Bethlehem

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June 6  1944 was the date for the invasion of Normandy by the Allied forces under the command of General Dwight Eisenhower. In the dark of night a fleet of ships silently carried an invading army to beaches code-named Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword. Despite the element of surprise and careful planning heavy casualties were suffered as the liberation of Europe from Hitler and the Nazi regime began.

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In a field just outside of Bethlehem another army readied itself to invade earth. We often hear of a heavenly choir appearing to the shepherds but the Greek word stratia, which the King James version translates as hosts meant an assembled army. This was not just a bunch of white-robed musicians playing harps in the sky. This was a part of God’s invasion force rejoicing at the successful insertion of their general into the enemy’s territory! Victory was in sight. Peace was to come but not through a treaty. Peace would be the result of the ultimate defeat of the evil regime reigning on the earth and the crowning of the Prince of Peace on His victorious return from the field of combat. Yes Christmas was more than gentle shepherds and sweet angels. It was God’s expeditionary army of light led by General Jesus coming to bring His peace on earth to men on whom His favor rests!

No Room

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And brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

While there is some question as to what an inn might have been in ancient Bethlehem there is no doubt that it was a place where they could stay. The urgent need of Mary to give birth was less urgent than the needs of others on that night.

Not much has changed in our 21st century world of push and hurry. Everyone seems to have an immediate demand for time attention and most importantly, money. But in the storm of wishes and wants it seems that even in His own church there is often no room for his birth. We are so involved in a thousand activities that quiet safety for newborn faith is turned out in the cold.

Thank God for his plan to call shepherds angels and strange Wiseman to we welcome God’s Son to Bethlehem.

Compared to the wonderful preparations of the Father the inn can be a cold and lonely place. Let’s go out to the barn, listen to Angel choirs and kneel beside the Magi and worship Christ the Lord!