“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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests”. Luke 2:9-14 (niv)
Reading this today, I am struck by a line I’ve passed over dozens of times, about the shepherd’s living conditions. In the Christmas card scene we are all so familiar with, the shepherds look so reverent and happy in coming to worship the Christ child. But before that scene, they were “living out in the fields”, doing their work that they did 365 days each year…out and away from towns and villages, alone, watching over the flocks. They were an unlikely choice to announce the good news “for all people”. They likely lacked the social connections and a circle of people to talk with and pass along the announcement. But from the quiet of the night, suddenly they were surrounded by a great company of heavenly hosts. Scripture says they were “terrified!” That very peaceful, quiet, silent, holy night; a night like all the other quiet nights in their lonely work, is abruptly interrupted by an angel and a great company of heavenly hosts! Can you imagine? “And they were terrified” – seems to me that verse is a bit of understatement!
These shepherds, seem to be unlikely recipients of a message from God, perhaps even social misfits, likely poor, living in the fields alone, without a home or shelter…and God chose them to give the amazing, dramatic announcement about God’s intervention into human history. The shepherds were important to God. They played a critical role in the Christmas story. They were terrified, and then they were obedient.
The guests of Family Promise are also hard working, often in the background, 365 days per year trying to do the right things for their families. Their stories are remarkable as they work to try to get their families safely housed, keep them encouraged, keep the kids focused on school, work with them on their homework, keep them in activities, attend school conferences, try to keep moving forward with as normal of a schedule as possible, with chores, family time, family conferences, meals, and even holidays. They are doing the quiet, hard and frequently lonely work that they need to do this day, just like the Shepherds. “keeping watch over their flocks”.
Christmas can be difficult for many people. The hope of the Christ child sometimes is lost in the loneliness, and depression, in the overwhelming sense of so much to do, so much left undone. I just had a conversation with one guest about the possibility of snow. She had made me a cup of coffee and we were just visiting as Moms. She expressed her concern about the pending weather, and said she would feel better about it if she was safe in her own home. …Something so obvious, yet something that I had overlooked.
Lord, may we also be terrified at your splendor and care, may we listen to your communication to us, let us to not overlook the obvious, to learn from your generosity, help us to understand your heart for the poor, and how you use all of your creation to proclaim to us your goodness. Help us to have the courage to be obedient to your presence in our lives, just as the shepherds.
I am very thankful for the good Kingdom work that each of you participates in, through your acts of service, love, prayers and financial support. Twenty three families have been adopted by you and will have a more generous Christmas offering to share with their children on Wednesday morning. Three families, 14 people will be at First Christian Church this Christmas, sharing gifts and the sharing the day with people they had not met before. The day center has been a constant flow of people bringing donations, gifts, day center supplies, and financial donations to aid this good Kingdom work.
A very wonderful Christmas, and holiday season to you and your families. Please keep the families of Family Promise in your prayers to have the courage to stay on the forward path, and for the strength to accomplish today what is needed for the good work for their families. God’s blessings on this holy season.
With love and thanksgiving,
Dana