While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night

"Now they were in the same country, shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid."

Luke 2:8-9 NKJV

The angel Gabriel appeared to the shepherds, too. The shepherds were considered the outcasts of society. Gabriel said that they would find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. Shepherds typically wrapped an unblemished lamb in swaddling clothes for sacrificing purposes. It was no coincidence that He came down humbly and that His messenger appeared to the lowest of the low. He appeared first as a perfect Lamb of God wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger and then later as He gave His life as a grown man as the ultimate sacrifice. I wonder if this is the reason why Gabriel appeared to the shepherds to remind them that this perfect lamb came for them, too. Just like Mary, they believed. Just like Mary, they humbly believed and obeyed — so they went, they saw and they worshipped Him. Unlike most kings, this King was born wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger instead of being adorned in robes and sitting upon a throne. He was long-awaited, but He came in a way that was not expected. Yet, He brought great light and set captives free. He brought great light and life because that is exactly what He was — light and life. Simple, but strong. Precious, but purposeful. What about that no room in the inn part? Was He rejected from the beginning? Even while still in the womb? I believe so. Just like He was when He was walking on this earth, when He was on the road to Calvary bearing the weight of the world upon His shoulders, carrying a splintered wooden cross. I wonder if Mary felt that same type of rejection the night of His birth, since Christ was actually in her? The stigma. The isolation. The long, treacherous road to Bethlehem as a pregnant teen. Heavy. It was physically taxing, as well as mentally and emotionally, I wonder.

Suffering is part of the gospel, and no one wants to suffer. I believe that is the reason why the gospel is considered to be a potential thorn in one’s side. A taboo subject. A dinner table disaster. It costs one something. However, in the end, we gain so much more.

Courage.

Freedom.

Eternal life.

Purpose.

Unconditional love.

Humility.

Spirit-filled life

This doesn’t even scratch the surface.

When you feel that all odds are against you and the world hates you, remember that they hated Him first, and all of this suffering is forming you into His image. You have an Emmanuel. He came down for you, to be with you, and He loves you so much that He died for you. He is going to come back for you, too.

Do we still have a reason to celebrate regardless of everything I just mentioned?

Absolutely. Yes. We are His image bearers, and we are called to be salt and light. Not just any light. His light. Live. Be free. Walk in His purposes. He commands it. He is the One to be praised, and He is coming back as our resurrected King. Just don’t forget to pause, reflect, and bow down in worship. Although graciously, He commands us to do this part, too.