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 shown 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 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 the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Luke 2:8-12

DECEMBER 9, 2024

Shepherds in the open fields with their flocks near Bethlehem? This setting suggests spring or early summer, after the cold winter rains have past and green grasses fill the pastures for grazing. Sheep were kept in enclosed sheepfolds during the winter to protect them from the weather; lambing season was in January and February. Because of its proximity to Jerusalem, Bethlehem may have been a source of lambs for sacrifices at the temple (Numbers 28:3-4). How fitting that the men and women whose lives were spent in the birthing and caring for lambs were the ones who received the news that the Lamb of God was born!

God superintended the events surrounding the birth of His Son. Heavenly hosts stood ready as Mary gave birth in an animal stall. This was the initiation of a new beginning! Now, everything would change! An angel descended to shepherds in nearby pastures, surrounded by their flocks. Thick darkness covered the hillsides when suddenly the form of an angel appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone brilliantly all around.

Understandably, the shepherds were awe-struck and terrified.

The angel spoke an astounding message of great joy for all humans: the Messiah had been born, that day, in Bethlehem! This newborn was Savior and Lord. A sign was announced to the shepherds: this One could be found wrapped in cloths and lying in a feed trough.

How like God to choose a poor, young couple as the earthly family for His Son. How like God to bring His Son into the world in humble circumstances among animals. How like God to reveal the birth of His Son to lowly shepherds out in the fields watching flocks of sheep in the night.

Yes, God uses peripheral, unpretentious, simple, undignified things to accomplish His purposes.

“He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are.”
1 Corinthians 1:28

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What does God choosing the lowly and despised things, the things that are not to nullify the things that are, tell us about His character?
  • How do you treat peripheral, unpretentious, simple, undignified people?
  • What does the birth of Jesus Christ have to teach us about humility?

 

Church Reading Plan: Zephaniah 1; Luke 23