Ode to the Joy of being a Sheep. Christmas, 2012

Ode to the Joy of being a Sheep.  Christmas, 2012.

Merry Christmas!

You know the scene . . . the shepherds are outside watching their sheep, when suddenly an angel appears to them, flooding the sky with bright light.   If any had been dozing, not any longer; they are wide-awake, and they are scared.  And as in other angelic appearances, the first words are, "Do not be afraid."  What would it be like to be awakened by angels?  Amazing and so unlike any other experience, to be sure.  Hmm.  But they brought beautiful news that the Savior had been born …

I love that these shepherds were the first people told about the glorious birth of Jesus in nearby Bethlehem.  Here's the question: Why? Why were these who were lowly in society so honored to have this special announcement?  And, while you're thinking about that--what was the common element present at Jesus' birth, the announcement to the shepherds, and their arrival at the stable to see the baby Jesus?  Yeah, I've been thinking a lot about that. 'Give up? Sheep. Huh?

Here's what I am thinking--shepherds are near to the heart of God.  David, who was called a 'man after God's own heart' was a shepherd boy before he was chosen the second king of Israel. And 'remember the 23rd Psalm? David says, "The Lord is my Shepherd," and then paints a beautiful picture of us resting in the knowledge that with him, we need want for nothing--he will rest us near quiet waters and in grassy pastures.  

And then I'm reminded when Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd," over in John 10--and talks of how "the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep....I know my sheep and my sheep know me..." This image moves me so very much. I believe that the announcement went to the shepherds first because Jesus identifies with the role of the sheep-herder. Understand that the Eastern shepherd was, and still is, very different from he who raises tattooed, computer-chip laden sheep in many parts of the world. In Jesus' day, the shepherd raised the sheep from the time they were lambs and maintained responsibility for them twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, for the sheep's lifetime. The very ones that would have been privy to the lit-up sky and glorious singing of the angels were raised primarily in the Judean countryside that was rocky, hilly, and had its share of ravines; grass was sparse. The shepherd always led the sheep--nurturing them, leading them to grass and clean water, and into a fold for safety at night. The shepherd knew their names, and when he called them, they recognized his voice, and followed him.

Now do you see why Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd?  And, I don't know, but maybe sheep were present fixtures at all of these events because they represent us--they represent what was said to the shepherds that night--Jesus came for all people. "I bring you good tidings of great joy that will be for all the people. Today...a Savior has been born...Christ the Lord."

May the announcement made 2,000 plus years ago to those dirty shepherds invade our hearts and lives--may the fact that the Savior came to us light a fire inside of us. When the shepherds saw Mary's baby Jesus for themselves, they 'spread the word, and all who heard it were amazed.' Do we talk about our experience with Jesus in such a way that people are amazed, and attracted to Him?

O, that we may experience and share these good tidings of great joy!

Christine