Starry Sky
Sheep are bleating
the shepherd is alone.
The moon is shining
another day is done.
The air is still
the fire glows;
it offers him peace,
it warms his toes.
An angel appears
glory all around
Gabriel’s message
is the only sound.
Good news and joy
is declared on this day.
A savior has been born
he lies in the hay
of a stable under a star
beautiful and bright
easy to find
on a very dark night.
What seems like stars
are angels up above.
This special night
is filled with love
A shepherd is climbing large boulders with ragged clothes carrying a sheep draped across his shoulders.
Reflection:
Many jobs come with challenges and a shepherd’s occupation rates up there with the most difficult.
Danger is constant as the shepherd defends his helpless sheep against predators who enjoy mutton for a meal. Weaponry is basic and often meager against the strength and power of his opponent.
Climate is a factor as he spends day and night in the elements without shelter or protective clothing. Imagine sitting outside in the heat, cold, rain and snow day in and day out! Isolation mixed with feelings of sorrow, insecurity, fear, and anxiety are prevalent and this occupation is usually the considered the most degrading in the community. Lastly, hunger prevails as the shepherd must provide for his flock and himself daily.
As others look upon the shepherds as downtrodden, God pours out his favor upon His beloved. For it is the shepherd who witnesses heaven’s open door and a multitude of angels proclaiming the Messiah’s birth. They are the ones who receive the message first and immediately travel to the baby to offer adoration and humble praise.
Have you ever felt inadequate, unprepared, unimportant? God sees us differently than the world sees us. Turn to Him for validation and unconditional love and you will be blessed for you are His beloved.
Luke 2:8-20
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Comments