And So It Was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered… (Luke 2: 6). This not unusual event occurred on just one of those same days when the same things happen, while we all go about our same duties, at the same times.
“Too bad for that poor woman, in that condition, just no place for her in the inn and….maybe she could go to the cattle barn, and make use of whatever space is available there,” the inn keeper may have thought, as he turned his attention to the number of people flocking into the inn.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2: 7). No one could ever have thought that this was that most significant event in history – the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world, and its future king – born unnoticed by man, in, of all places, a stable. While unnoticed by man, our Heavenly Father was in attendance, and sent out the proclamation of this great event to his faithful servants.
This just shows us how we could so easily overlook the most important event of our lives because of misguided focus. We could just as easily be caught unaware at his return. The scripture warns us about this.
Jesus’ birth was announced to shepherds in nearby fields. They were in the field keeping watch over their flock by night. This was no comfortable occupation – certainly not an armchair existence. They were exposed to all kinds of weather and to the wild beasts. Watching over their flocks involved alertness and diligence; the shepherds must observe any ailment that may be affecting any one animal, thus quelling any disease that could ravage the flock. They must ensure the sheep were adequately fed and watered; they must know the temperament of each animal to ensure that it would not harm another or wander off. This is the caring shepherd, who, regardless of time or circumstance diligently keeps guard over his flock. They were his priority.
It is to these that the angel of God appeared with the glory of the Lord shining around him to announce the birth of their Saviour who was Christ the Lord. This angel was joined by a multitude of the heavenly host praising and glorifying God in the highest. What a visitation and honor was paid to these faithful shepherds! Can we imagine what a joyous and exciting moment this was to them as they made their way to find their Savior?
There are still shepherds among us watching over their flock right now in this night, darkened by sin and corruption. These are the angels of the churches. We think about ecclesias with those few brethren trying amidst difficulties and trials to care for the sheep. They are struggling to keep the meetings active and vigilant. There are brethren in the missionary fields, some amidst great hardship, engaged in pastoral activities. To be sure the work is not easy, and we must remember them in our prayers. They must be as watchful and caring as those shepherds who watched over their flocks by night.
“Who then is the faithful servant, whom his Master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his Master when he comes will find so doing. Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One