Unlikely Messengers
The night was clear and bright, perfect really as the stars shone above the head of the shepherd reclining on the grassy hillside. The bleating of sheep, low and soft in the background, caused the haze of sleep to dance in the forefront of his head, and a threatening weight tugged heavily at his eyelids. Shaking himself to attention, he adjusted his position on the ground and determined in his mind to stay alert and keep true to his post.
“I cannot remember a more perfect night,” he thought again. “I don’t ever recall seeing the stars so bright.” In that second, he felt as if something was about to happen, but he wasn’t sure what it could possibly be. Tending the sheep, was as common and lowly of a job as a good, Jewish man could get. He didn’t mind though. Times were hard, and this less than glamorous job helped provide for his family. No, they didn’t have much and he wasn’t a prominent figure in the community, but he was a hard worker who followed the law of Torah to the best of his ability.
Staring into the beauty of the night sky, he was overwhelmed by Yahweh’s creation. It had the appearance of rich, black velvet stretched out like a massive canvas, with diamond flakes creating a shimmering portrait of endless shapes. He began to open his mouth to relay his thoughts to his fellow herdsmen, when he froze in terror, mouth agape in fright.
The brilliance of the light that was shinning around him, was so intense, it was as if a great garment had been placed on his shoulders, weighing him down. He tried to hide his face from the fullness of the brilliant glow, but there was no escaping its presence. From the radiant beams, a figure began to emerge, and spoke with a voice that demanded attention.
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you. You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
The shepherd, unable to look away, listened intently, daring not to miss a word. He didn’t have to check to know his co-workers were frozen in disbelief, just as he. Suddenly hundreds of angels filled the night sky praising God Almighty, proclaiming in a loud voice, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased.”
The angels disappeared almost as fast as they had come. The shepherd and his friends, looked around, still in shock and wonder. What had just happened? They didn’t understand much, but they knew it was time to take action.
Once they regained their full wits, discussion broke out among the group, and it was quickly decided they would travel with haste into Bethlehem. If God was going to speak to them, they would obey immediately, and do what He asked.
Once they arrived to the town, the shepherds split up, so as to find the baby more quickly. “Over there!” One of the men began to point and shout to the others. He had found the stable which was housing the small family. The rest of the men came running to join him. Slowly approaching the structure, they entered the dirty dwelling which smelled of hay and animals. Why would God, send the Messiah in this way?
The shepherds marveled at the scene before them. They had heard all the stories of the prophets since they were small boys, but never would they have dreamed it would look like this. It did not make sense, but it was still beautiful all the same.
They peered down on the sleeping baby in His mother’s arms and something within them stirred with joy and excitement. In their hearts, they knew the whole world just changed. The long awaited Savior had finally arrived. The strangers explained to Mary and Joseph all the events which lead them to this location, and after a short visit, they bid their farewell.
As they walked the streets of the town, the group of men knew exactly what they needed to do. Pulling aside everyone they met, they began to spread the good news which the angels foretold, and they witnessed first hand.
They spoke with great joy and passion. It did not matter if it was friend or stranger, they carried within them the greatest treasure of truth ever to be revealed. How could they keep silent with such valuable information?
Some of the people scoffed at them, and hurled insults. “Go back out to the fields where you belong! You are nothing more than herdsmen.” But, they did not care. Nothing was going to dampen this new fire that had just been lit within their hearts.
Yes, they were the least of their people, but God chose to reveal His coming to them, and that was everything. As a matter of fact, that made them something very important, and they would not take that position for granted.
They rejoiced and magnified the Lord, telling everyone who would listen about the new born King. Fearless and determined, they spread God’s story of hope.
They may have been the most unlikely group to have captured God’s favor, but they had a message and were determined to tell as many as would listen.
What about you, dear friends? We know the greatest story ever told. We have Christ within us, the hope of man. You may be the least of these in your city, but when you have Jesus, you have everything. Go tell the world about our Lord!