Celebrate Like Shepherds

By: Lisa Boisvert

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:15-16

In the year 2000 I went to Israel and visited a site called "shepherd’s field" near Bethlehem. That day we learned the sheep the shepherds cared for on the night of Jesus’ birth were no ordinary sheep. They were being raised for sacrifice in Jerusalem's temple. The Angel Gabriel announced the Messiah's birth to the shepherds who were tending the sacrificial animals. These shepherds were the first to learn that the prophesied Lamb of God had been born that night in Bethlehem.

During the time of Jesus, shepherds didn't rank very high on the social scale, but God didn’t care. The good news He shared started with an announcement to shepherds that were tending His sheep. He didn't invite Kings or leaders, the very first guests God invited were ordinary people. Actually, the hosts of the celebration (Joseph and Mary) and the guest of honor (Jesus) were all ordinary people too.

But this was no ordinary celebration, and nothing happened randomly. God planned and prepared the exact circumstances of Jesus' birth to fulfill prophecy. This included impregnating a virgin and orchestrating a man in the lineage of David to marry her. God also arranged a Roman census that required Jewish men to return to their ancestral homes, which allowed the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem, just as scripture predicted.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

As you celebrate Christmas, enjoy the beauty and fellowship of the season. Like those shepherds, celebrate your Messiah with awe and thanksgiving. Then, be sure to invite the guest of honor (Jesus) to be part of your Christmas! When you wish someone a "Merry Christmas" remember the reason for the season... Rejoice! Christ the Lord is born.