Friday, December 21, 2012

Night-Shift Shepherds

Luke 2.8
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
                                                
 
The demanding and busy life style shepherds practice helps one understand why the angel called the shepherds to visit Jesus during his birth. Although the shepherds were overwhelmed and terrified by the presence of the angel, they decided to leave their permanent watch over their flock in order to witness the birth of Christ.

The shepherds risked losing their flock and gave up all of their duties for Jesus.

The shepherds show that we should dedicate time to Jesus and rejoice in the time we spend thinking about him. Whether for one minute or one hour, people should devote time, like the shepherds, to reflect on the birth of Christ on Christmas day. Something to reflect on is Jesus’s acceptance of all people, even at his birth. Through the presence of the three wise kings, the shepherds, and even the animals in the stable, obviously no matter the condition they are in, Jesus accepts all of God’s creations.

I think it is safe to say that many people recognize the “true” meaning of Christmas. But by reflecting on different things, such as the shepherds, people are able to squeeze even more out of the story. Whether you are in the kitchen making Christmas dinner, or traveling to visit with family and friends, try thinking about Christmas in a different way. Each time you view Christmas in a different perspective or focus on a different part of the story, you gain a deeper meaning to Christmas.

Matthew Brown