Of Shepherds and Angels

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.
Luke 2:10

The natural and the supernatural, light and dark, humble poverty and majestic royalty these are the things that come to mind as I read about the coming of the Savior. I love how the Scriptures no matter how familiar, can present something new to the heart and mind that is open to the working of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever considers the two shepherd kings we read about in these inspired pages – one natural, one supernatural. One occasionally prone to darkness, the other overflowing with light. Both – at least as their humanity goes had humble beginnings that lead to majestic royalty. Of course One was really royal from since before time.

David the first shepherd king, in one of the most beloved passages of Scripture calls the Lord his shepherd, acknowledging his need for the divine care only God could provide. Jesus, the incarnation of that same God David sang of identifies Himself as “the Good Shepherd” in John 10. Some often wonder why lowly shepherds were favored with the proclamation of the child’s birth, by an angel of the Lord no less and a supernatural concert. You see, while today we would understand that being a shepherd is an honest job, important to the care of a flock of sheep which no matter what era we are talking about would be valuable. To the Hebrew people who needed a spotless lamb to offer as a sacrifice, a shepherd would be responsible for making sure a proper beast was ready when needed. Yet in the days of Jesus’ birth, they weren’t respected by those who held a higher place in the community – ok let’s just say it, the religious leaders – because well when you are spending time with sheep, you tend to smell like sheep – you get the picture.

But, that doesn’t mean they didn’t know God, didn’t know His law, didn’t know that in the eyes of others they fell very short of His standards. That’s the point though – they lived in His creation, they cared for important creatures, they no doubt sang David psalm declaring that the Lord their God was their Shepherd. The angel and the supernatural choir came to these shepherds first because God knew they would respond with open hearts, hearts so open they would be filled with joy. Hearts so open that they would rush, without the fear of being rejected to see the child, lying in a manger surrounded by – I don’t know smelly sheep maybe.

A note in my Bible says perhaps the shepherds got the word first “because they represented all who needed cleansing since Jesus was and is a king for all those humble enough to see their need for a Savior.” As followers of Christ we need to remember we are all works in progress – may we stay humble enough to hear the voices of Angels because our hearts are open for the message they carry.

More importantly and especially in this season of Advent, may our eyes be open to the modern day “shepherds” in our midst – the people on the fringe of our communities, the people some might look down their noses at if they stepped into the doors of our churches. They are there and they need to see and hear the good news of great joy.

Of shepherds and angels – which are you? Maybe, you are both. Maybe that’s a blessing.

A Prayer
Father – that we might have the humble spirits of those shepherds visited by Your angel. That we might by our actions more than anything announce Your Good News to those who really need you especially during this season. Thank you for showing us that it is when we recognize our need of a Savior that You can and will do amazing things with our lives. Help to remember that until we see you face to face, we are always in need of the grace and forgiveness our Shepherd King offers. In the name of Jesus, who is the Shepherd King – Amen.