A Shepherd's Way

A Shepherds Way

Imagine if you will, a shepherd’s life. They were thought of as “lower class” people. When they did go into a town, people wanted to stay away from them because they smelled like sheep. Sheep are not clean animals, and I can only imagine what wet wool smells like. They spent most of their time out in the fields with the sheep. They were there to protect the sheep from wandering off, and from predators that would try to kill them. So, often they had to be strong and able to fight off these predators. Day after day, night after night. Sometimes they were alone or with only one other shepherd but sometimes they brought their flocks to watering holes where others were and other times, they sought shelter in a cave during bad weather so there were others there. It might have been a night like that when the star appeared. Even more amazing were the angels. The bright, almost blinding light when they appeared to give them the GOOD NEWS!

Luke 2:9-13 An angel of the Lord appeared to 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. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

What a glorious sight it must have been, the whole sky was lit up with angels and their brilliance. The air was filled with their song. So, the shepherds set out to follow that star to Bethlehem to see the newborn king.

Lord, help us to always seek that baby. Help us to always put Him first in our hearts. Amen.

Shirlene Peterson