The Shepherds
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. – Luke 2:8
The shepherds’ role in the Christmas story has always been of interest to me. As I think about their part in this miraculous event, I wonder what their significance is. But I quickly realized I don’t know much about shepherds themselves. This led me to ask, “Why did God choose shepherds as the first to hear the wonderful news of our Savior’s birth?” At first glance, they seem like an unexpected choice for such an extraordinary event. Why not announce this extraordinary message to kings, priests, or scholars?
I began to wonder: Was it because shepherds are diligent, faithfully watching over their flocks? Was it their steadfastness in staying with their sheep, protecting and keeping them together? Even as these thoughts crossed my mind, none seemed to fully satisfy the question. I briefly considered researching shepherds to gain more understanding but then paused and decided to ask my heavenly Father to reveal what I needed to know.
Then it struck me: Shepherd is another name for a pastor. Pastors are spiritual shepherds, called to watch over their “flock” of God’s people entrusted to them. They lead, guide, and care for God’s people, and, like the shepherds in Luke’s account, they also proclaim the good news of the gospel.
Looking again at today’s scripture, we see the shepherds doing exactly that. First, they responded to the angelic announcement by going to see Jesus for themselves. After meeting Him, they spread the word about what they had been told concerning the Savior. Their message caused many to marvel and wonder at the glorious news. in a similar way, God anoints pastors today to proclaim the gospel, the good news of our Savior, in a way that stirs hearts and causes people to be inspired and respond.
God’s choice of shepherds was intentional. They were the first to carry the joyful message of the Messiah’s birth, faithfully fulfilling their role as His ministers of good news. And after delivering the message, they rejoiced, praising God for the privilege of being chosen to share in His divine plan.
This Christmas season, I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate your pastor. Recognize the anointing and calling they’ve received from God to shepherd His people. Consider sending them a note, a card, or a small gift as a message of gratitude for their faithful service in the LORD’s work and their dedication to watching over and caring for the flock.
Today’s Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-20
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
The Daily Dose 