SISTER MARIAN’S WEB-
ADVENT EXPECTATIONS 1
THE SHEPHERDS
LUKE 2: 8
That night, some shepherds were in the fields
outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep.
If we had been able to ask the Jews living in Bethlehem that first
Christmas, to whom they thought God would offer the first invitations to meet
His Baby Son, their expected Messiah, would be, what do we think their
answer might have been?
Perhaps they would have said the Jewish leaders and officials, or perhaps
the High Priest and temple workers?
They would all have been wrong wouldn’t they!
Already the Promised Messiah was not conforming to human expectations!
We know the first people invited to the crib – side were shepherds. Have you
with me ever wondered why?
Shepherds were humble people but their work was both demanding and
sometimes dangerous. The work involved keeping and protecting their flock
from wild animals and from thieves. The shepherd had to search for good
pasture for grazing and also had to ensure they knew where good watering
places could be found. Drought and dry winds were a constant problem. If
they were hired workers, they were held accountable for any losses.
They did not ‘drive’ their flocks like shepherds of today, but led them and
the sheep followed their shepherd knowing he was their provider and
protector.
In the Bible the term, ‘shepherd’, is often used for a leader or king.
God is Himself given the title of shepherd as He is seen as continually guiding
and protecting His people.
I wonder if in choosing shepherds to be the first witnesses to the birth of
His Son, God was giving the world a sign to show them the type of leader His
Messiah, Jesus, would be? People needed to change their expectations! He
would be the ‘chief shepherd’ who would one day say to His followers, “ I am
the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
(John 10: 11)
Let us then return once more to the hillsides around Bethlehem that first
Christmas night and follow the shepherds and their journey to Bethlehem.
AMEN.
