Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. —Luke 2:8-9 NKJV

The old shepherd pulled his cloak closer, not to keep the cool of the evening out, but because of something he couldn’t quite put his finger on, just a sense.

Shepherds were rugged and not easily unnerved. They were able to spot almost imperceptible dangers and continually defended their flocks against wild animals and thieves—risking their very lives if necessary. Accustomed to the harsh elements, they slept on the ground in the drier seasons and sheltered in nearby caves in the harsher. At times, they might have some straw for a thin mattress, perhaps even a fleece. If not, their cloak would do.

Shepherds were avoided, looked down on as unclean, and considered untrustworthy. As priestly shepherds, appointed to be in charge of the Temple sheep, they were held in only slightly higher esteem. Yet, even they were not allowed to enter the Temple to worship Yahweh. They worshiped in the fields as they watched over the flock.

Like every other night, the old shepherd stretched out his rod for the sheep to pass under as they returned to the sheepfold, carefully accounting for each one. As the other shepherds settled around the enclosure, he positioned himself inside its doorway to serve as the door.

As he leaned back and rested his head on a stone, his mind went back over the day. It started at predawn, as did every day. He and the other shepherds led the sheep out of the enclosure, away from the watchtower, and into the nearby hills to graze. He guided his sheep with his raised staff, sometimes lowering it to touch their sides to remind them of his closeness. He went ahead of the sheep, continually calling and talking to them, letting his voice lead and reassure them, and they followed. As the morning gave way to noon, they sought shelter in the shade.

The shepherds continually scanned the flock for potential dangers, distress among the sheep, or expectant mamas during lambing season. When an ewe’s time was near, a shepherd would bring her into the tower to assist her labor. He would mark the firstborn male with a red thread and examine it for any flaws. He would give it the utmost care by taking strips from old, worn-out priests’ garments and gently wrapping it in them. Then he would lay the lamb in a stone feeding trough to give it further protection from injury.

As night settled in, the shepherds spoke in quiet tones, perhaps praying and singing Psalms. By their candlelight, voices drifting in from Bethlehem began to dim and fade. The census had brought so many travelers to the area, and rumor had it that people were hard-pressed to find places to stay. This was one night the shepherds were especially grateful for their beds in the fields.

As the night grew darker, the old shepherd thought the stars seemed to twinkle brighter, more vividly than usual. Maybe he was just more aware of it for some reason. Yet …

Suddenly, in the midst of the growing stillness of the night, as their quiet conversation faded into silence, a man suddenly stood before them. This was no ordinary man! This was an angel from God! The light shining all around him was so bright it blinded them, and they were terrified!

The angel spoke to them, gently like a shepherd speaks to his flock, to calm them. He told the men not to be afraid. He brought good news of great joy that was meant for everyone everywhere. Then—the most incredible news of all:

This very night, the Savior, Christ the Lord, has been born! They would find Him wrapped in strips of cloth and placed in a feeding trough over there in David’s City. That’s what the angel had said as he motioned with his hand toward Bethlehem.

No sooner had he uttered these words than he was joined by innumerable angels. They brought to this band of despised and unclean shepherds, the very men prohibited from worshipping at the Temple, the greatest worship service this side of Heaven. The angels proclaimed glory to God and declared that peace and goodwill would be available to everyone. Could that really be possible?! In the midst of Roman rule and oppression?! Peace?! Goodwill?! Then, just as quickly as they had arrived, the angels disappeared.

The night returned to darkness, but not the hearts of the shepherds. They dropped everything and raced into the city where they found Him, just as the angel had said. Wrapped in strips of cloth, He lay quietly in a trough, just like a little lamb. The spotless Sacrificial Lamb of Glory who would one day become their Shepherd. The One whose rod and staff would comfort them. The One who would be their Door. Their Strong Tower. Their Rock. Their Redeemer. Their stunned silence burst into worship. The “unclean” and the “avoided” went out and told anyone and everyone they encountered what had happened.

The shepherds went back to the fields, changed men. When the world said they weren’t worthy, the Good News came to them first. Before kings and priests had a chance, the unclean and the avoided were the first to see the Savior’s face.

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
—Luke 2:14 NKJV

I love You, Lord!
Donna Perkins

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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