Wayne Weekly “The Shepherd Baby”
Written by Teddy on December 22, 2015
It was most likely just a pretty typical night shift for those shepherds in the field. Perhaps the hustle and bustle of those coming into Bethlehem for the census was a topic of discussion by those watchers of the flocks. The quiet of the night, only broken by the sound of an occasional bleating from the sheep and maybe the wisp of the breeze, was all too familiar with the tenders. The darkness of the night illumined only by the firmament and the flicker of a fire built to help with the chill of night and to help keep the wolves and thieves away from the well-guarded herd made the night usual. But then something changed, and as a result things changed forever. The peaceful setting was now filled with an unfamiliar voice and the camp lit up with the brilliance of the “glory of the Lord”. Peace turned to momentary panic.
The announcement was like no other:
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 (KJV)
Who would know? Who would know that the shepherds would be invited by God almighty to greet into the world the messiah baby…the shepherd baby:
“And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler, who will shepherd My people Israel.” Micah 2:6 (NASB)
Yes, the lowly shepherds welcoming the “Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, the Chief Shepherd”. The least likely, receiving the King of kings and Lord of lords in the humblest of throne rooms, a stable, presented on the humblest of thrones, a feeding trough. There He lay, born to nourish all who will partake of Him, born to give life…and life abundantly.
Oh come, let us adore Him.
