12-13-2015

Good Morning All!!     

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

     At some time in their life, most boys are a shepherd.  If you have ever been in the Christmas play or program, you were probably a shepherd.  You can have as many shepherds as you need.  There is one Mary, one Joseph, one inn keeper but there can be a whole room full of shepherds.  Usually they are the youngest of the cast so they may twist their head gear or use the end of the cinch they wear around their waist to bop the shepherd standing next to them.  Shepherds are usually the hit of the show.  At least in our programs they are.

   At the time of Jesus, shepherds weren’t that cute.  They spent their entire time with sheep; they smelled like sheep.  It wasn’t a glamorous job; it wasn’t a highly sought job.  It didn’t pay well.  It was a job that occurred in the background.  Shepherds were usually nameless and faceless.  It was a job that those men took in order to hide.  Maybe they were hiding from the law.  They may have robbed someone or even killed someone and got away.  They needed a job but not one that would meet many people so they became shepherds.  It might have been someone who was trying to hide from their family or someone who just wanted to be “off the grid”.  Most of their time was spent miles from the cities; either all alone or with a couple of other shepherds.  A good place to try and hide.

    Shepherds were among the least of the least in the society.  They were among the least likely to not only hear the news of Jesus, but they were the first.  It is hard to imagine their reaction.  These were men and young boys who were never noticed and rarely sought out attention.  The night was probably quiet like the vast majority of nights.  Suddenly the angel speaks directly to them.  “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  Next we get the heavenly host which was probably innumerable.  What they must have thought!  What they did, go and see, was an act of faith.

    The beauty of the shepherds is that no one is excluded from God’s message of grace found in Jesus.  No matter how your life has proceeded until today; no matter how screwed up you think you are; God’s message of hope and salvation is for you.  For unto you is born this day.  To you; God is speaking directly to you offering you hope and salvation.  God is fixing what is broken in the relationship you have with him.  He leaves no one behind; he claimed the shepherds; he will claim you.

Father of mercy, even when I feel the need to run or hide your love comes to me.  You wash over me with your grace to cleanse me and to call me home.  Your love goes beyond anything I can understand.  Be with those who are lost and in need of your grace.  Bring them hope that they may have your peace.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret