12/12/15- The Shepherds-

12/12- Luke 2:8, 15-20 The Shepherds
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 15When 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.” 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Thoughts: The shepherds were oblivious to Rome. They were not oppressed by the soldiers in the city.  They could see Herod’s fortress in the distance from the fields of Bethlehem.  But they were just ordinary folk trying to live out their lives.  Yet the shepherds were nervous and afraid.  They had little hope for anything good-  but the angel said they had good news for all people- even shepherds.  Today, the hope of Christ calms the fears of all- rich and poor and those closest to tragedy and those far away.  The shepherds went to investigate Jesus.  We should too, leaving our busy-ness behind. 

Prayer: Lord, shatter my busy-ness, my fears, my expectations of the status quo.  Come to us and abide with us O Lord Emmanuel.

Activity: Today remember those who have to work a lot (like the shepherds) to make their living- even the farmers, the fire fighters, police and law officers, the army soldiers far away.  Make a card for someone you know or for the local fire station thanking them for all they do. 

Song: There’s a star in the east on Christmas morn.  Rise up shepherd and follow.  It will lead to the place where Christ was born.  Rise up shepherd and follow.  Follow, follow, rise up shepherd and follow.  Follow the start of Bethlehem, Rise up shepherd and follow. 

If you take good heed of the angel’s words, rise up shepherd and follow, you’ll forget your flocks, you’ll forget your herds, rise up shepherd and follow.  Follow, follow; rise up shepherd and follow; Follow the star of Bethlehem, rise up shepherd and follow.