What do you think? Why did God choose shepherds to be the first witnesses to the birth of Jesus? We all can give a reason or two why we think God did it. But few days ago I read a great column (in Finnish) by Rev. Dr. Eero Junkkaala who gave five possible reasons why God chose shepherds. I found them inspiring. Hence I want to share them briefly with you. Hopefully, they can give you a new way to look at the Christmas story.

Five reasons why God invited shepherds to be the first witnesses of the Christ child

1. Maybe the shepherds just happened to be at the right place at the right time. Or maybe they were the only ones awake at that magical night to hear the first ever Christmas concert given by God’s angel army.
2. The most common speculation of why God chose shepherds is that it was God’s way to include the least worthy of the society. And it is heartwarming to know we are all welcome into God’s presence.
3. Also, we need to remember shepherding was a family tradition. Even King David was once a shepherd from Betlehem.
4. Because Jesus would one day call himself the Good Shepherd it was more than appropriate to have shepherds to gather around him.
5. The sheep the shepherds had with them were meant to be sacrificed at the temple. Most likely, the shepherds were unaware they were invited to meet the lamb of God, the ultimate and final sacrifice for the sins of the world.

All these reasons are great, aren’t they? Somehow the fifth reason particularly lifts my spirit. God has planned everything with much detail. Why wouldn’t also the shepherds presence be planned out with care?

Do you want to be like the shepherds?

This makes me think that also our lives are planned with much meaning and purpose. Nothing happens by accident but by grace. You are you because God created you to be you. And God has a plan for you. First of all to save you, that’s why Jesus was born. But God also has a plan for you to be a loving witness of Jesus just like the shepherds were. Please do run like the shepherds to Jesus. And do praise and glorify God for all he has done for you. That’s the secret of Christmas and life.

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for your detailed plan to save the world.
Be praised for including the least worthy in your plans.
Thank you for inviting also me to receive your gifts.
May I be like a shepherd, Lord?
I want to run to Jesus and praise you with everything I’ve got.
Thank you for your love and grace.
Be praised forevermore!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Which reason does resonate best with you? Do you want to be like the shepherds?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you * [As you might have noticed, I enjoy reading the Bible in different translations and love comparing them. I have started linking the Bible verses toBiblegateway.com so you can easily read (and compare) them in the different versions I’ve used while preparing each post.].

Image courtesy of ochristian.com, design by Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Dance with Jesus, Faith-filled Fridays.