The Shepherds Also Played Their Part Well!
“God gives us his benefits and expects only our thanks in return.” St. Francis de Sales
Not too many Christmases ago while packing away the Nativity set, my young nephew asked a simple question that for a few minutes stumped me. He asked: “Where did the shepherds go after they visited the newborn Jesus, and his parents Mary and Joseph ?” Pausing a few moments, I answered, “Well I guess back to taking care of their flock of sheep.” I added, “It was their job, and they were gone from the sheep for a long time.” Even though this was a short and speedy response, I later thought. Why not? They were probably bursting with the news that they had seen the newly born Messiah and were anxious to spread the news.
Our little band of shepherds came into the Christmas story unexpectedly at the invitation of angels who said, “Let us go then to Bethlehem and see what has taken place which the Lord has made known.”
And they did where they knelt before the tiny smiling savior and glimpsed the brightness that salvation brings to people caught in darkness. Then they spread the good news that the heavenly choir of angels told them to do “…they made known the message that had been told to them about this child.” Then, they went away. But is that true?
Nameless as they may be, their tiny part is remembered every Christmas during the liturgy. These unknown shepherds heard the call, sought the Christ child home, bowed before him, and then carried the scene everywhere in their hearts telling all they met what they saw. They simply spread the news that at last, “He’s here!”
Indeed they must have shouted again and again that freedom has come to God’s chosen people. Yahweh remembered the poorest of the poor and they are shouting the good news. Indeed these shepherds are important people.
Soon we will begin a new year and as we pass through the days we remember these lowly shepherds whom God selected as his spokespersons. Even though we packed them away in boxes, we keep their joy-filled and hope-filled message alive in our hearts. Remember they knelt before the prince of peace and were thankful for the privilege. They may have watched their sheep in darkness, but after seeing Jesus, they always lived in the light of that joyful visit to Christ their king.
What a beautiful image to keep alive during this Christmas season. It helps us remember the joy the Lord came at Christmas to give us.
“We have a savior, and He is Christ the Lord.”
[Painting: Shepherds, Vincent Van Gogh]
