Can you imagine what it was like for the shepherds who watched over their flocks by night? Have you ever been out in the remote countryside at night. It's amazing to see so many stars on a clear night. If you live in town or close to town where street lights still line the streets, it's hard to see all those stars. But imagine what it must have been like that night. The shepherds are bunkering down for the night, quietly watching over their herds of sheep. It's a clear night. For as far as the eye can see, there's nothing but stars and the sound of sheep.
“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. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:8-20 (NIV)
I love the part where the shepherds say, “Let's Go!” Such excitement. If you've ever watched the Veggie Tales Jonah movie, one can only imagine what the shepherds saw was similar to what Veggie Tale Jonah saw in the whale. All of a sudden a multitude of angels appear out of no where and begin singing praises to God. How cool is that! I can just picture the shepherds after all of this looking at one another with awe and excitement. Forget about the sheep tonight. Let God take care of the sheep tonight. ” Let's Go!”
Wouldn't it be neat to have shared in that excitement? You can you know. With Jesus in your heart and the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, you can feel that sense of awe and excitement as you read the stories over and over and think of the loving Father who gave us the most precious gift in the world, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Share in that excitement this Christmas. Reread the stories. Listen to the old familiar Christmas carols and hymns and imagine what it might have been like that night.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)
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