“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
Luke 2:8-10 KJV
Being a shepherd has never been the top of the ladder when it comes to career choice. Think about it: you’re outdoors most of the time and so you get hot and sunburnt, you have to squat outdoors to relieve yourself and you are guaranteed to start smelling bad with the combination of animal smells and body odours. Not the Christmas reflection you had in mind, I’m sure! God didn’t send the angels to royalty, or to the priests, or to the politicians – He sent the angels to announce this amazing news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds out in the fields.
Some biblical scholars believe that Jesus’ birth was announced around the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur); a Jewish Holy Day focused on atonement and repentance which leads to forgiveness – the perfect time for Jesus to arrive as the Lamb of God who would atone (obtain forgiveness) for the sins of the world (John 1:29; 1 John 2:2). If it was around the Day of Atonement it is possible that these shepherds may have been Temple Shepherds looking after the sheep for the sin sacrifice. It would have been quite appropriate for them to come and inspect the Lamb of God (Jesus) who would take away the sin of the world.
That’s the good news we celebrate at Christmas and can enjoy all-year-round; that Jesus came to be a sacrifice for our sin so that we would be forgiven and made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21)!
