I recently attended a Nativity play held by the pre-school group of a local Congregational Church. As part of the programme, the daughter of the Youth Leader gave a sermon on the role of the shepherds in the story of the birth of Jesus. She made a big point about how the living conditions and the wages of a shepherd were rubbish and as far as she was concerned, their lives were meaningless until Jesus was born. The mere act of his birth gave them hope that they could be redeemed and live better lives through him. That's how she interpreted this aspect of the story told in Chapter 2 of the Gospel of Luke.
To me, she seems to have missed the entire point of the shepherds' story so I thought I'd share my opinion with you all to see if there was some resonance. It is true that a shepherd's life is (and was) not an easy one. The wages are generally poor and there is often a need to battle wild creatures and experience harsh weather conditions in order to tend the flock. When the angels delivered the news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, they were said to have proclaimed “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests”.
But why favour the shepherds instead of those from another profession? The selfless dedication to duty is one of the aspects that I feel is important. Specifically, the fact that a shepherd is expected to endure all of the hardships in order to protect those that are more vulnerable. Whether this be a flock of sheep or a congregation, the job description is the same.
Jesus himself is quoted in the Gospel of John (10:14-15) as saying: “I am the Good Shepherd: I know my own and my own know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep”. Jesus provided inspiration in the way he lived his own life – many Christians believe that he set an example to follow and in that quote we clearly see that example mirrored in the duties of an actual shepherd: to be prepared to lay down one's life (in actuality or in terms of time and effort) in service of those who are in need.
With this in mind, is it any wonder that shepherds were chosen to stand amongst kings and angels in witnessing the birth of Jesus? By inviting such “lowly men” to this incredible event, the message is given that anyone who follows the Christ shall be exalted in Heaven but deeper still is the notion that following the ways of Jesus means to be as a shepherd.
A shepherd's life is not to be pitied or ridiculed. Their “hope” lies not just in blind faith but in the deep-rooted knowledge that they are giving all they can to protect and support those less fortunate or capable than themselves.
So perhaps we need to ask ourselves this same question: who are we serving and why? Do we blindly follow a designated path or do we need to stop and consider where our hearts and our compassion lay? If we are not serving our true calling are we really able to serve anyone at all? If we are not able to tend our sheep, to know them by name and to serve their everyday needs, do we have any right to call ourselves shepherds? If we are one of the flock, do we crave the security of conformity or the comfort of the personal touch?
As with most aspects of most holy books, these parables and notions serve as a reflection of deeper understandings. What are your own thoughts on the subject?
