Advent - We Have Found The KingIsampula

When Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge announced the birth of their child, Prince George, there was such a celebration in England. People lined the streets anticipating and keeping watch for his arrival. Reporters camped out and kept watch by the hospital in hopes of getting pictures of Prince George. As soon as the Prince arrived the news spread quickly announcing the birth of this child who would be third in line to be king after his paternal grandfather Prince Charles of Wales. It was an event that will be recorded in history.

In our scripture today we read about another group who kept watch: shepherds. But in this story unlike the people and reporters in England they had no clue of the announcement they were soon to receive. In Hebrew, shepherd means “one who tends”. Shepherds were required to be watchful and take care of all the sheep under their care. If one strayed, the shepherd would search for the lost sheep until it was found. His life was one of focus.

Shepherding was a difficult life and even one of danger. The shepherd was exposed to the extremes of cold and heat and many times had to fight off attacks of wild animals while protecting their fold. They lived and breathed sheep so you can just imagine that their social skills were possibly limited. I have not even addressed the smell that would come with this job being outside and among sheep.

I feel certain that this group would not be invited to many social functions of their day. So why then would God choose this group of men to be one of the first to hear about the birth of our Savior? Why, would God choose this group to be one of His first messengers? I believe that it was God showing His love for those who would be considered outcasts to be the first to be revealed the birth of Jesus, the King of Kings. They were simple men going about doing what they were called to do…tend sheep.

You see there are no social classes with God. The Good News is for all, even simple, smelly shepherds. Our Creator wants all to know that the Savior, Messiah has come to save us all from our sins.

Share this message of His love to all as you go about your day because “Love has everything to do with it”.

Rebeka Retta, Residence Director, Residence Life