The Shepherds

We’re not told how many shepherds received the angelic proclamation of the Messiah’s birth (Luke Chapter 2).

Perhaps one of the shepherds was the father or grandfather of a newborn baby boy. If so, what was that man thinking, what was he feeling, when within the space of two years Herod’s minions arrived in Bethlehem to slaughter his son or grandson?

Perhaps another shepherd told his rabbi about the angelic visitation and about his own visit to Bethlehem to see the Child. What did the rabbi say? Did the rabbi suggest it was a hallucination? Did the rabbi say that since none of the religious leaders in Jerusalem were aware of such a thing that it must not be true? Did the rabbi convince the shepherd to forget about that night?

Perhaps there were shepherds who, like Mary, pondered these things and treasured them in their hearts – but for how long? When the Roman oppression continued did the wonder of that night fade away? As the pressures and uncertainties of life remained did hope deteriorate?

Would some of these shepherds encounter Jesus in years to come, and if so, would they make the connection? When they heard of Jesus in years to come, what would they think?

What about us? When Christ appears, when God speaks, how do we respond?

Paul “was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19) – what about me? What about you?

Has the babe in the feeding trough grown to be a Man in our souls?