I wonder if the shepherds all went to Bethlehem after getting the heavenly announcement or did some of them stay out in the field, making sure that the sheep were safe. The Biblical account does not say that the angels offered to stand watch over the flock nor does it say that the lambs voted to remain where they had been bedded for the night and defend themselves against any attacks. It seems to me that the reasonable thing to do would be to leave a shepherd or two in the field while the others headed into town to see the miracle.

Maybe they took turns going to the stable. Perhaps there was a parade of shepherds coming and going that night. If that were the case, then Mary and Joseph had to be the best people to raise the Messiah. The rest of us would have gotten weary of the “company.”

Or, perhaps the shepherds herded the sheep into town that night. But, the scripture says that the shepherds hurried to see the sight. Hurrying and herding don’t sound like things that go together.

My believe is that the shepherds had no debate and no one was left behind.  I think that as soon as they heard the news, every single shepherd ran as fast as they could to see the Christ child. The promise of the Messiah, made so long ago, was fulfilled. The hope of the ages had arrived. The Savior was born.  It was the miracle that they had waited for all of their lives.

No matter how the shepherds got to Jesus, when they left they had a story that could not be contained. They spread the word. I think that they shouted, they sang, they woke up family members; they made sure that everyone possible got the good news.

This Christmas, run to the Christ Child! Don’t worry about the sheep, the Christmas cards, the ugly sweater contest, the tree, the presents, the outside lights, or anything else.

RUN!!!

This Christmas, wonder at the miracle!

This Christmas, rejoice and sing and shout!

This Christmas, tell the story!

This Christmas, celebrate!

This Christmas, accept the gift of the Savior!!  For unto us, a child was born!

RUN!!!

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

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Luke 2:8-20 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”