You know the account of Jesus’ birth as recorded in the second chapter of Luke. You’ve heard it and read it countless times. But I feel confident in saying that each and every time you’ve seen or heard these words, the focus has been on Jesus. And that’s only natural. But today I want to remind you that Jesus’ birth wasn’t so much about Jesus as it was about US. Or more precisely, it was FOR us. So, for the next few minutes we are going to take a closer look at that night–the night of Jesus’ birth from the perspective of why he came and who he came for..
It should come as no surprise that the answers to those questions are found in Luke 2:8-17.
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
"When 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.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."
Shepherds. Essential to society but looked down on by nearly everyone. So why them? Why were the shepherds the first to know? I’ll tell you why.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. The shepherds were undoubtedly gathered around fires–fires that were used to cook over, fires that were meant to keep them comfortable and warm, fires that served as light, and fires that deterred predators away from the sheep. Their location was also prime because it was quiet. The city was overcrowded, noisy, and on edge. But not the fields outside of town– not where the shepherds and their sheep were settled in for the night. No, the shepherds were enjoying a still and silent night–one on the verge of also becoming a holy night.
AVAILABILITY, which meant they weren’t distracted. They weren’t distracted by the chaos and noise of Bethlehem, which I’m sure didn’t have convention or visitor’s centers, and as scripture confirms, they weren’t equipped to provide lodging for an influx of visitors. They weren’t distracted by the presence of the Roman soldiers and the intimidation and fear the soldiers surely enjoyed inflicting upon them. They weren’t distracted by having to be on guard against thieves/pickpockets or being taken advantage of by local merchants. They weren’t even distracted by their job, because they didn’t just do shepherd stuff. They WERE shepherds.
HUMILITY. The shepherds were humble and respectful of God’s creation. They knew first-hand that nature and its workings were at the mercy and will of God, that nature had everything they needed–that nature would take care of them, and that they needed to take care of nature–that they were stewards of part of it. Scripture doesn’t specifically tell us that these shepherds were worshippers of God, it is obvious that they were. Their fear was justified because well, wouldn’t you have been afraid! But when the angel told them they didn’t need to be afraid, they weren’t. Their humility gave them the desire and the courage to listen.
WILLING. The shepherds were willing to believe that what they had seen and heard was true. They were willing to be obedient. The angels said go, so they went. There was no star leading them to their destination. Just some rather vague directions. Think about it–how many barns were probably in the vicinity? A lot, I’d say. But they didn’t let that stop them from searching for the Savior and willing to cross over societal boundaries to spread the news.
But that’s not all. God chose to tell the shepherds first because…
They understood the kind of relationship God desires and demands with us. Contrary to popular and ERRONEOUS belief, sheep are not stupid. Sheep are trusting, creatures of habit, fully reliant on their shepherd to lead them, feed them, and keep them. What’s more, sheep have physical attributes which contribute to their character, so to speak. For example, sheep have excellent peripheral vision. They see what’s going on around them from a wide angle. They can see danger coming from a distance, giving them more time to get to safety. They need that time because sheep do lack an ability to defend themselves. Once they lose their footing and are knocked on their back, it is all but impossible for them to get up. And predators know that and use it to their advantage.
Hhhmmmm, don’t you find it interesting that sheep are trusting, creatures of habit, reliant on the shepherd to lead, feed, and keep them? Because isn’t that exactly what God wants and expects of us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior? And doesn’t scripture tell us to be on guard always? To be watchful and discerning so that sin doesn’t creep into our lives? So that the devil doesn’t sneak up on us with his deceptions and lies? Like the sheep which are always watching what’s going on around them? And aren’t we just as vulnerable? Aren’t we powerless against sin and the devil once he has us down…unless we are relying on THE Shepherd?
God also chose to tell the shepherds first because of something the angel said to them in verse ten. He said that the news of Jesus’ arrival was good news for ALL people. All, as in everyone. So, by telling the shepherds first, who were considered to be pretty much at the bottom of society’s ladder, there wouldn’t be (or shouldn’t be) any question that everyone meant everyone.
I believe that choosing the shepherds to know first was also a bit prophetic in that God was subtly letting the world know that ALL people meant Jews, Gentiles, every tribe, tongue, and nation. Even Samaritans and Romans!!! Think about it. Had it been the Jewish leaders, they would have taken it upon themselves to decide who the good news was for. Had it been the Roman soldiers, they would have done whatever necessary to squash the ‘rumors’. Had it been the government, they would have stopped at nothing to make sure Jesus was among the babies killed in search of the dreaded king of kings the Jews talked about. So, yes, had it been anyone but the shepherds, human failings would have made a mess of making sure the good news was really and truly for ALL the people.
I also believe it was a bit prophetic in that the shepherds, though essential to everyone, were looked down upon and ridiculed by many. And so it was and still is with Jesus. Essential for all, but rejected by many.
The very first record we have of a gift being given to God is a lamb (from Abel). God was so pleased with that gift that he decided to give one of his own…his Son, the Lamb which takes away the sins of the world. That may even be why God seems to have a special place in his heart for shepherds. Moses was tending sheep the first time he spoke to him. Let’s not forget David, the shepherd was chosen to be the premier king of Israel and the one from whose lineage Jesus came. And of course Jesus–not only the Lamb, but the Shepherd whose sheep know his voice.
So was it by chance or on a whim that the shepherds were the first to know? I think know it was neither of those things. It was God’s plan. God knew that no one else was more ready, willing, and able to hear, listen, receive, and spread the good tidings of great joy for ALL the people, than the shepherds abiding both with God and in the field that silent and holy night Jesus was born.
Colossians 4:6,
Darla, aka, Momma D
Who am I?
I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself. I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.
What do I write?
Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.
Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.
Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.
What do I say and who do I say it to?
*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.
*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!
*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.
*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!
*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.
*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.
*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.
Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).
Where can you find me?
My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore or order on my Square Store