Christmas Joy – A Devotional from The Salvation Army BC Division
The following is part of an Advent sermon shared by Major Sandra Rowsell, Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Divisional Community Family Services Consultant, and Divisional Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Response Advocate.
While we know the shepherds were there during the night of Jesus’ birth, we do not know much about them, other than they were out in the fields looking after their sheep. We do know they didn’t work a glamorous job. The shepherds were viewed as unskilled, uneducated and even looked down upon. They did not worship in the temple and take part in worship as their job was 24/7. During the day the shepherds led their sheep to green pastures and water and at the night, they protected them from animals and thieves. They lived with the sheep and more than likely smelled like sheep. The shepherds were used to being alone and had probably had plenty of time to think. Maybe deep in their thoughts staring at the night sky they wondered if God even cared about them or knew they existed.
Well, this night was no ordinary night for suddenly the sky lit up. An angel of the Lord appeared before them. The shepherds fell to the ground terrified and confused. The angel spoke:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
“Do not be afraid … news of joy.” This is not what the shepherds were expecting. Suddenly thousands of angels singing as if they could no longer contain themselves. Their voices were exhilarating and full of joy. Once the singing ended, the angels left as quickly as they came and again, the shepherds were alone in the fields with just the light from the stars. And it was obvious what they needed to do. They needed to go to Bethlehem to see this baby the angel spoke about. So, they up and left on their journey to Bethlehem to find the Messiah that had been born.
And there they found this tiny baby, the maker of the universe who was born of human flesh face to face along with his mother in a stable. They knelt … and worshiped. There were no words that could express what they were experiencing but I believe their eyes mirrored their joy and awe. They may have thought that God did not care for them, but God did, for he had invited them to be the first to look upon the newborn king, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. It was just as the angel said it would be … joy. That was it. When the shepherds finished worshiping, they were left with joy and peace in their hearts and a spring in their steps. This joy would be retold in an incredible story to all who would listen. And it was easy to share for it came from an overflowing joy-filled heart.
Joy is among God’s gifts to his people. This joy is independent of our circumstances because the source of our joy is in the Lord, and it doesn’t matter where we are in life or what we possess.
How wonderful that God chose the lowly Shepherds to see the most important birth of all time. Because of their humble origins, the shepherds could not help but rejoice and tell everyone about the birth of the Messiah God is also showing us that his love and joy are available to everyone who calls upon his name. (Romans 10:13) This Christmas may you find the same joy that the Shepherds found so long ago.
Merry Christmas, and may God bless you.
