 -Pastor Melissa Fain- 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before 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; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Luke 2:8-14 NRSV Did you know during the time of Jesus’ birth people didn’t keep sheep on farms? Shepherds kept sheep in fields. Shepherds were like nomads. Nomads are people who don’t have a permanent place to live and they travel where they can find work, or where they can find what they need. Sheep need to eat, so shepherds take the sheep where there is grass so they can graze. Shepherds did not have it easy. They were out in the rain and dirt all the time. They could not take a break, because the sheep had to be constantly watched. Think about that! They were invited to Jesus’ birth, and they came! It wasn’t royalty or priests that got the angelic invitation. It was the busy dirty shepherds! Those on the outside were given special honor and invited in! The shepherds remind us that all of us have a place in God’s story; all of us (no matter how busy) are asked to make time for God. Question: When are you going to make time for God this week? Prayer: Dear God, help us see we are valuable to you, and help us make time for you. Amen. Places to connect:
To see or share pictures of the Advent Adventure Crafts: Twitter: @FigTreeTweet, #AdventAdventure For deeper discussion: Reddit: www.Reddit.com/r/FigTreeChristian |
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