The Shepherds

Christmastime is coming around again, and we’re listening to Christmas music on the road.  I’ve been thinking a little about the shepherds.  A few years back I wrote a monologue that represented the words of one of the shepherds, just before the angels broke through the sky above the flocks.  As the history continues, though, we know that the angels appeared and the shepherds were told about the Saviour who had been born in Bethlehem.  They were given instructions on how to find him, and they ran off, presumably leaving the sheep behind (or perhaps leaving some poor Joe to watch them).

The found the baby lying in a manger, just as the angel had said.  And they went away praising God for all that had happened.

Then what?

Then came years and years of…nothing.  Did they stay in touch with Mary and Joseph?  You’d think that would have been the logical thing to do.  But even if they had, what would they have heard?  Jesus was growing up, getting into the carpentry business, probably making farming implements (as some evidence from history indicates).  This is all very well, but after the spectacular announcement of the angels, don’t you think they would be expecting something more?  And something a little sooner?  Years and years passed.  Did their faith waver?  Did they wonder if it had all been a dream?  Surely not.  Did they wonder if God’s plan had been thwarted?  Maybe.  Were they laughed at, believing such crazy things, when it all seems to be a ghost tale from the hills?  Were the shepherds patient?  Anxious?  Angry?  Weary?

It’s interesting to think about.  I started thinking about those waiting for God’s promises, and wondering why He’s delaying.  I thought about people in Mexico, many of whom may know the Christmas story, but wonder in the back of their minds why Jesus’ life doesn’t seem to make the world a better place, or their lives better.  We can tell people of the wonderful transforming power of the One who came to earth, and we can tell those who know Him that His promises are always kept, even when it may not be when we expect.

By the way, time for another Christmas myth-buster.  Contrary to popular belief, as far as we know from history, candy canes were not invented by a candy maker to explain the true meaning of Christmas.  The story is a myth, caught up by popular culture as if it were true.  But hey, now that you know not to believe everything you read, why not use the candy cane to remind you of the Christmas Story?  It’s a whole lot better than simply getting a sugar high for no reason.