Come with me to the fields near Bethlehem and experience the first Christmas through the eyes of a shepherd.
It’s been a long, hard day. Your legs are aching from the long trek through the countryside to reach pastureland and fresh water. Finally, the flock is settling in for the night. There is a chill in the air so you draw close to the fire. But this is no time to rest. You must keep a careful eye on the flock, knowing that a predator could be lurking anywhere in the dark.
You gaze up briefly. The stars in the sky and the crackling fire are the only sources of light in this remote place. It’s actually quite peaceful. Except for the occasional bleating of the sheep and the drone of the cicadas, it’s perfectly still tonight.
But without warning a white light pierces the night sky. The entire hillside is bathed in its radiance. You shield your eyes, but it doesn’t help. The light is too intense. Slowly your eyes adjust and you see the outline of an angelic figure hanging effortlessly in the sky above you. Terrified, you fall to your knees and bow your head to the ground.
“Fear not!” The angel’s booming voice echoes against the hillside. But it is also strangely calming. Encouraged, you lift your head as the angel continues to speak.
“I bring you good news,” the angel says. “Today in David’s city the savior has been born!”
Your mind races. Could it be true? Could the long-awaited messiah really be here?
Then the angel gives a sign to confirm his amazing declaration. “You will find the baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Before you realize what’s happening, the sky is literally filled with angels. Together they lift their song to God. Angel voices fill the air with the sweet fragrance of praise: “Glory to God! Peace on earth and good will to men!” But then the chorus ends as abruptly as it began. Where there were hosts of angels, there is only darkness. Where there was angel song, there is an almost unearthly quiet.
Rising to your feet, you rush to join the shepherds with whom you share these fields. Excitedly, you make plans. “We must go!” says one. “We must see for ourselves what God has told us!” You shake your head enthusiastically, grabbing your walking stick and making your way to the neighboring city.
Bethlehem is busy, filled to the brim with soldiers, tax collectors, and those compelled by Caesar’s decree to come and register. Even after dark, the sounds of hustle and bustle can still be heard.
But where could the baby be? You begin searching the streets, remembering the sign given by the angel. A baby in a manger? How odd. But after a few moments you spot a small cave used as a stable by a nearby innkeeper. There is soft, yellow glow coming from inside the cave. You rush toward it with expectation.
Reaching the mouth of the cave, you peer inside. The floor is littered with hay. Animals are stirring. In the back of the cave a man and woman are hovering over a manger. Sleeping quietly atop the hay is a newborn baby boy. It’s the sign!
The man looks up questioningly. “The angels…,” you begin, not sure exactly what to say. “The angels told us to come and see.” The man nods kindly and waves his arm, inviting you forward.
As you make your way to the manger, your mind replays all of the Old Testament prophecies--God’s promises of a savior to come. Who could have imagined that you would be a witness? That you would see the savior of the world with your own eyes?
The baby is sleeping, lovingly swaddled in strips of cloth. So quiet. So precious. So full of life and hope for the future. You choke back tears and pray a silent prayer of thanks. Here at your feet lies God’s salvation. Here in a pile of hay lies the hope of all mankind. Just as He promised throughout the centuries, God sent a redeemer. A healer. A beacon of light and the bringer of peace.
And you were here to see it. Yes, you--a lowly shepherd who was blessed to witness a God-sized event that would forever change the world. Praise God for letting you be a part of His story!
From all of us at Bordas & Bordas, have a wonderful and joy-filled Christmas!
