December 19

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the LORD appeared among them, and the radiance of the LORD’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Luke 2:8&9, 15

The shepherds are some of the most precious people of the nativity story. Why do you suppose God chose them to hear about the night’s events? Maybe because He knew they would respond to the words. Maybe because they might be the only ones awake at that time. Maybe because His Son would be the Shepherd of Israel. For whatever reason God chose the shepherds, they responded immediately and trusted that what had been told to them was true. They didn’t try to dissect the information or rationalize the concept. They believed, they went, and they were blessed. When God calls you, how do your respond? 

Father, forgive me for being skeptical when You call me. Forgive me for my doubts and hesitations in responding to You. Thank You for not giving up on me! Amen.

Nineteenth-Day Activities

Maybe Mary and Joseph can spend the night outside tonight. While they were on their journey to Bethlehem, they may have spent many nights out under the stars. There may have been housing for them also but probably not all the time. If they do spend the night outside, be sure to place them in a safe and sheltered place. The real Joseph and Mary would have sought as much shelter as possible.

While you’re outside tonight getting Mary and Joseph ready for bed, take a moment to look up and enjoy the stars. Talk with your child about tending sheep at night and what are the dangers at night but also what benefits there would be. 

Maybe today would be a good day to take the shepherds from your nativity set out of the storage box. It might have taken them a while to make the journey to Bethlehem, but they could arrive at the stable anytime. Talk with your children about what the shepherds did and ask them if they thought they brought their sheep with them or did they leave them out in the field alone.