The Significance of a Shepherd

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 NIV)

Can you imagine the scene above as it unfolded? Just ordinary shepherds out in the fields, doing their job when suddenly they are in the midst of the glory of the Lord. They are given the joyous news of a new baby—and not just any baby; the long-awaited Messiah had come.

They were just regular guys going about their business, taking care of their regular responsibilities, much like we do every day. Same routine, same schedule, same chores, same activities. The shepherds were regular people doing regular things. Yet God chose them to receive his heavenly announcement.

What is the significance of a shepherd?

To me, the answer is both nothing and everything. That is the way the Lord works, juxtaposing our nothings with his everything. Shepherds were an integral part of Israel’s economy and history. The great leaders Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and David were all shepherds at one time. They were all great leaders pointing the way to the Good Shepherd, Jesus. They were examples of God using the ordinary for his extraordinary.

The Lord shined his glory on the lowly shepherds to announce the birth of his Son, who in turn was beaten and killed to shine glory on the rest of us.

Amazing.

I always get chills at the end of Third Day’s Christmas song “Born in Bethlehem.” When they sing of Jesus rising again in three days, there is a resounding sound of three bell rings. It conveys the majesty and significance of Jesus’ birth and death with just a few knells of the bell.

God uses our ordinary for his extraordinary.

Just like the young shepherd David watched his sheep intently, fighting wild animals to protect them; and the shepherds in Bethlehem two thousand years ago dutifully tended to their flocks; our Good Shepherd gives us the same loving attention and fierce protection.

You are God’s child. He sent his Son for you. You have a Good Shepherd who wants to guide you, love you, and protect you. Rejoice in this good news as you celebrate the season this year.

Dear Lord, Thank you for a redeeming Savior. Thank you for a time to celebrate the birth of your Son. Help us see your majesty in our ordinary. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:12-14 NIV)

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23 NIV)

Reach for More

This Christmas season, take time to reflect on the goodness of God and how he can use our ordinary for his extraordinary. Look for opportunities to share his love within your ordinary times as well as the special times during the holidays.

Dana Herndon is a writer, blogger, and middle school teacher. She and her husband live in Georgia with their three children. In addition to teaching and writing, Dana loves to read, paddle board, and sometimes run. She blogs about faith, family, and enjoying the everyday life at danaherndon.com.