Devotion: The Shepherd's

While turning to Luke 2 to follow the sermon a few Sundays ago, my interest was perked as our pastor skipped the first few verses of the chapter. Luke 2 is the Christmas Story-what was he thinking skipping past the part God played through the Holy Family?

I have heard the Christmas Story for as many holiday seasons as I can remember. I have always put emphasis on the Holy Family. My faith has had boosts as I fell in love with an obedient woman, a kind husband and a son's sacrifice on my behalf. But he was going to talk about the shepherds.

I remembered the shepherds, I have them pictured in my mind as sitting on the hillside watching their flock when an angel instructed them to visit the King of Kings lying in a manger nearby. Soon after a heavenly host-a thousand angels-came down praising; "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." The shepherds were obedient. They did see Jesus and shared the news to others and then went back to the stable and praised Him.

I think the sheer volume of all the angels has made me scan right over top of the shepherds. Shepherds were nomads making sure their flocks had food and water. They lived with their flocks and didn't have much of a chance to go into towns for religious services. They were alone most of the time with dumb, smelly sheep. Homeless, loners, who were too busy to go to church, how amazing is the Lord to add in the part that reminds us we are all children of God and he loves us all and sent His Son for us.

Thank you Lord. Today I am grateful for the Shepherds and the rest of your Christmas Story. And to a pastor who is in tune to listen to the whole story.

Written by Sarah Read:
I am a native to Salt Lake City and am glad to still call it home. My husband and I are raising a blended family with three daughters and a son.  As a recent graduate of She Speaks with Proverbs 31 Ministries, I am excited to share about the Lord through my stories. I came to know Jesus when I was five and have walked on my journey with Him ever since.