The Shepherds

 

Year 8-Day 358: Today, I am grateful for the shepherds.

I grew up on the farm. The women of my mother's era spent most of their days at home in the kitchens and working around the home and yard. They caught up with girlfriends at church and sewing circles. Most farmers made it to town daily, for one reason or another. They would stop by the grain elevator, the gas station, the bank and the implement store. When it comes to spreading news, the men were in the know. 

I wonder if it was like that in Jesus' time? The shepherds were farmers and businessmen, too. Their circles were wide through synagogues and the marketplace. I think they may have been the perfect crew to share the good news the angels brought on that night more than 2000 years ago

"And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."-Luke 2:17-20

Mary treasured up all of these things in her heart... but the shepherds could not keep silent. They had seen the child and heard the angel. They were witnesses to it all and they had to tell someone. 

Do we feel that excitement each year as Christmas comes again? The good news is still good. We can carry it to those who have not heard, just like the shepherds did so many years ago.

 Today, I am grateful for the shepherds.