The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2
One of the questions Kathryn asked the kids (and some helpful adults) for our virtual impromptu Christmas Pageant this year was about the shepherds:
Why were the shepherds the first ones invited to see the baby Jesus?
Maybe we have heard the Nativity story from Luke so many times we forget to ask questions like this. I can’t wait to hear what people said in response to this, and all the other questions Kathryn posited to them on Christmas Eve. I have found myself thinking about the shepherds ever since I read the question. Why were they first?
At first glance, a quick answer might be that they were nearby. Another answer might be that since God chose to show up in this life as a tiny helpless baby to an unknown couple in a small town outside all power and influence and importance, that it makes sense that the first to hear of God’s arrival came to a bunch of shepherds, themselves equally low in social, political, and economic status. It certainly tracks that the humble God would reveal himself first to a group of equally humble working folk.
Beyond that though, I think the shepherds are on my mind this week because I identify with them more this year than any other. They are sitting outside, in complete darkness (not having any street lights or light pollution outside the tiny hamlet of Bethlehem). They are trying to stay awake, stay safe and keep their sheep safe. I imagine they might even be a little tired of the other shepherds they are forced to keep company with for safety reasons. Who knows how many nights they have been hanging out together? The night seems very, very long and very, very slow. Chances are, even when they venture into town, they aren’t greeted with open arms, viewed with suspicion, smelling pretty sheep-like.
People sitting in darkness, living in darkness, waiting. Something like our lives in the middle of a global pandemic. Waiting in the wilderness for some new light, some hope, something, anything to change so we can safely gather together, wash off the sheep-smell, I mean, not worry about exposure…
Why were the shepherds first ones invited to see baby Jesus?
Maybe because that night they needed to see light more than anyone else. That night they stood for all of us waiting in the darkness. They were ready to hear a message of peace, of God’s great goodness, and of God’s mercy for the whole world, that included them.
Wherever you are, waiting in darkness, may you see God’s light in your life. May you experience the angels welcoming you into God’s presence. May you sniff the sweet head of the little baby Jesus and know peace.
Merry Christmas, dear friends.
Stephanie+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvegJ3wRLFE