The Lamb Born to be Shepherd

It’s a common concern this time of year, isn’t it? How do we maintain our focus on the Lord and the true meaning of Christmas in all the hustle and the bustle of the season? But have you ever really thought about the night that Christ was born? It wasn’t a peaceful time in Judea at all. The Roman government had called for a census which forced everyone back to their ancestral towns. The entire province was in a state of upheaval.

In Bethlehem, which had been King David’s home town, every available room was filled. Not only space, but food was at a premium. Merchants were scurrying about to meet the needs of the many people. Caught up in the commercial opportunities and distracted by the commotions of the moment, I am sure few noticed the unremarkable couple who came into the town.

We all know the story. With the birth of the baby imminent, Mary and Joseph had returned to Bethlehem only to be relegated to a stable instead of the inn; but how appropriate that Jesus, the Lamb of God, would be born in a stable! And the connection with lambs doesn’t end there.

I think it is no accident that the flocks kept on the hillsides surrounding Bethlehem were those special lambs bred for use as sacrifices in Jerusalem’s Temple. Worshippers seeking forgiveness at the Temple would lay their hands on the lamb’s head, transferring their sin to the innocent animal. The innocent would die on behalf of the guilty; and the worshippers would be set free from their guilt and shame, having received the gift of forgiveness.

The shepherds on the hills around Bethlehem would be first to know when one of these sacrificial lambs was born. So it is fitting that, as they watched their flocks that night, an angel appeared and told them: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12) And they left everything to look for the Savior!

Shepherds were a despised group of people. They were considered to be far from God and so were held in contempt. No one would have imagined that God’s favor might rest on them! So why would the Lord entrust the message of Christ’s birth to such as these, if not to prove that this good news, of great joy, is indeed for all people!

As we go into the Christmas season, let me encourage you to purposefully choose not to be like the merchants and innkeepers of Bethlehem, distracted and overwhelmed by the busyness of the season. Let’s not focus on all that has to be done, but rather let us look for the Savior! The King born in a stable – the Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world – accepts us as we are! And like the shepherds that night, we will glorify God in the highest because we will come to know His peace and His favor!

Blessings on your day!

Michele