In the backdrop of the famous Christmas story we read of shepherds living in the fields near where Mary gave birth to Jesus. Most of us don’t have much first-hand knowledge of shepherds. But I think we get the idea nothing could keep them from vigilantly protecting and providing for their sheep. The sheep needed the shepherds for guidance and safety. Sheep are easy prey to predators and have the tendency to stray away from the shepherd’s protective eye. And so it was on THAT night that shepherds were in their fields, keeping watch.
We see the same image in John 10, where Jesus describes the thief and the good shepherd. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. “I am the good shepherd,” Jesus says. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” The sheep know the shepherd’s voice and follow him. Hesitating and not following the shepherd could put them in grave danger of being taken by the thief who comes to kill them. Isaiah 53:6 paints a clear picture showing that we are like sheep. We all have a tendency to stray away from the protection of our shepherd.
What is interesting about the shepherds in the Christmas story is that “an angel of the Lord” and a heavenly host appeared to them. Whenever a King is born there is much heraldry, but never are common shepherds the first to receive the news. But that’s exactly what happened here. The angel of the Lord appeared to ordinary men with extraordinary news. In fact, the good news was so extraordinary, the shepherds did something shepherds don’t do. They “hurried off” to find Mary and Joseph and the baby in the manger. And having seen the baby they excitedly spread the word about him to others. Their testimony so amazed others it could not be contained.
Imagine the wonder of being the first to be invited to see the baby Jesus who would one day be THEIR Good Shepherd. Imagine finding the one whose voice they would come to know and follow, the one who would guide them, provide for them, and protect them from the evil one.
One of the gifts of Christmas is that the Good Shepherd has come! He is the one who willingly laid down his life to protect His sheep. Even though we, like sheep, go astray, He calls to us. “Come near. Follow Me.” Hear the voice of the Christmas Shepherd calling you today. He cares for you more than you know. Stay close to Him this Christmas, and always.
