Intro: For our Advent season this year, I have chosen to enjoy the Jesse Tree by sharing a 24-day practice to prepare us for the celebration of Christ’s birth; the event we celebrate and honor at Christmas. From the root of Jesse’s stump, we will discover or rediscover the people in the family Tree of Jesus Messiah who were instrumental in bringing the presence of God near to us in order to revive the Spirit-led family of faith. With each day’s reading, we will add a new symbol—an ornament—to our family tree.
Today, is day twenty-three of our journey and our symbol is the Lamb.
So, ponder this: the greatest announcement that would ever be made for the greatest event to ever take place in the world was not reserved for the religious, political, or wealthy elite who exalted and paraded themselves before the people they were positioned to serve. In fact, it is the humble shepherds tending their flocks on the fields near Bethlehem who are the first to hear the good news of Messiah’s birth. Why shepherds with sheep?
God always does things purposefully; so, involving shepherds of sheep is an image God will continue to use to help people understand His purpose. Shepherds watch for enemies that might attack or steal the sheep, take care of the wounded in their flock, and search for the lost or trapped sheep who, on their own, have no hope of being found. Sheep need a shepherd to lead them or they wander and die. The Son of God came to shepherd humans who, like sheep, are prone to wander and die in sin.
Therefore, there is an even bigger picture here than just the shepherds. The image of sheep is important. Many theologians believe these shepherds supplied the lambs for the Temple sacrifices that were performed for the forgiveness of sins; a temporary covering. The Son of God came into the world to be the final sacrificial Lamb who’s blood would cover sin and offer eternal salvation to those who would identify with Him; belong! The Lamb reminds us the shepherds were the first to welcome the Good Shepherd AND the Lamb of God into the world.
It was an angel who introduced the shepherds to the Lamb of God. I can’t even imagine what a host of angels—the armies of heaven—would look like, but it was obviously terrifying for the shepherds. They had the capacity to be filled with awe at the sight of the heavenly glory breaking through the darkness. Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love had come to be enthrone on human hearts. And, can you imagine the power behind their glorious praise? May we join with the choir of heaven and praise our Savior and King!
Luke 2:1-20 NLT The Birth of Jesus
1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
The Shepherds and Angels
8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
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“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Matthew 2:1-6 NLT Visitors from the East
2 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”
3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
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‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the shepherds and angels, as well as their message for the world announcing your birth. Such Good News for our hearts! We have a clearer understanding of Your astounding greatness and love, as well as identifying ourselves as humble recipients. Thank you for tenderly taking care of us, as well as delivering us from sin. We know your Voice and are ready to follow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.