And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not ..." (Luke 2:8-10a)
The shepherds were guarding their sheep when the angel came. There's a good chance it was lambing time, as shepherds in Judea didn't usually stay out all night otherwise. If that was the case, then one of the things they'd be watching for was sheep in trouble—ewes that needed help delivering their lambs.
The shepherds were just ordinary people—not especially rich or powerful or holy. What they knew was sheep, and how to take care of them. Maybe that's why the Lord chose these people to be the first to hear the news of Jesus' birth—the baby who had come to earth to become our Good Shepherd. Jesus was in the same line of work, you could say.
Because He does take care of us, doesn't He? Jesus watches over us as carefully as any shepherd ever watched his sheep. When we are in trouble or in pain, He knows it. When we get lost, He searches for us. And when we were threatened by the powers of evil, and in danger of spiritual death, Jesus came to save us—laying down His own life so that we might live. Now we who trust in Him will live forever, because He shares His resurrection life with us. What a wonderful Shepherd!
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, I'm glad You are my Shepherd. Thank You for taking care of me. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Have you ever had full responsibility for a living creature, human or otherwise?
* If so, what was the hardest part of that work? The most rewarding part?
* Tell about a time when Jesus saw your need and took care of you.
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Nehemiah 4-6 Revelation 17
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