Like the rest of their people, they’d been waiting their whole lives for a deliverer to come—to rescue them from oppression, poverty and injustice. On this night, like every night, they were just doing their job, watching the sheep. We often think of shepherding as a menial job, except these pastors were probably priests and these sheep were most likely the sacrificial lambs for the Passover. This was a high and holy calling.
“Identify the spotless lambs, deemed worthy to be slain for the sins of the people.”
I think it’s safe to say the priest-shepherds were not expecting anything exciting to happen on this night. In fact, they were probably hoping that nothing exciting would happen on this night! They were definitely not expecting God to show up.
After all, He’d been silent for 400 years.
Imagine it. All is quiet. The town is asleep. The sky is dark. Outside the city, the sheep are in the fold. Bleating has ceased for the night. The humans can finally relax, finding their place amongst a sea of white. One keeps watch over the pasture from his lookout, above.
Suddenly, the stillness of the night is invaded by the glory of the Lord. And they are terrified.
“Good news!” they hear; “The Messiah is here! Now go.” the angel said.
“Identify the spotless Lamb, deemed worthy to be slain for the sins of the world!”
Then, an angel choir erupts in praise for what God has done, proclaiming peace on earth, at long last.
What a night! What a Divine interruption! What hope for all mankind!
About 33 years later, another angel will appear to a grieving woman at a garden tomb with a similar message of hope. Only this time, God’s perfect lamb had been slain, our sin debt, paid in full, and death and Hell, defeated forever.
“Come and see!” He said. And then: “Now, gol!”
“Bear witness to the spotless Lamb, worthy to be slain for the sins of the world!”
Mary’s call.
The shepherd’s call.
Our call.
Ordinary people, transformed by an encounter with our extraordinary God. Called to do hard and humble, yet high and holy things. Equipped and accompanied by the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit. Invited into intimacy with the One who created, redeemed and restored us. Tasked with telling the best news ever.
How can we keep from singing His praise?
He alone is worthy!
