“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.” (Luke 2:8-9)
Of all the people in Israel that blessed night of the Saviour’s birth, why were shepherds the worthy recipients of the angelic host?
The shepherd’s work in ancient Israel was characterized by EXTREME dedication and commitment. Mostly, the youngest boy in the family would have to take up the task of shepherding the family’s flock.
It takes great humility to be a shepherd. One has to be in constant contact with the sheep, enduring and sharing in their dirt and smell. One has to be willing to abandon the comfort of their home and spend the night with the sheep in the field.
Shepherds in those days worked both day and night to protect the sheep from predators and thieves. This required a great deal of vigilance and diligence.
And while a group of shepherds were keeping watch over their flock at night, they received an angelic visitation and the subsequent announcement of the Saviour’s birth.
Maybe, God is trying to teach us something. The proud in heart will hardly catch a glimpse of the blessed Savior. It takes the shepherd-like humility, vigilance and diligence to receive the divine revelation of Christ.
Remain inspired!
https://joelkwesibaidoo.blogspot.com/2022/12/shepherds-keeping-watch.html
