Just outside the huge city of Jerusalem, near the little town of Bethlehem, were pastures.  In particular, there was this special pasture, where the sheep being fed and cared for had a very specific purpose.  The shepherds were carefully guarding, protecting and providing the best grazing for these sheep.  Why?  They were being prepared for sacrifice.

Once a year, there was a special offering made for the sins of Israel.  The lamb offered must be perfect, without blemish, healthy and whole in every way.  The shepherds' responsibility must have weighed heavy upon them.  When the high priest and his assistants were presented with the flock, great discernment and spiritual insight would be required to  make the selection.

"And in the same region there were shepherd out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."  Luke 2:8  To our North American minds, we would not catch the significance of this statement in the Christmas story.  When my husband did some preparation for a sermon, he came across this information giving cultural context to this verse.  (I am stealing from his research!)  The field was the special pasture reserved for the sheep that had been chosen from the larger flocks of Israel.  And it would be reasonable that this location would be near Jerusalem, the Temple and religious centre of Israel.  

So when the angel of the Lord does appear to the shepherds, this is more than a heavenly choir performance!  This is God pointing out to these sheep-herders that He is making the selection for the Passover Lamb, the perfect sacrifice for sin.  

"Fear not..." the angel begins the message from God.  Those poor shepherds must have been shaking and falling down in absolute shock and awe!  The glory of heaven opening, the shining brilliance of heavenly beings must have jolted the resting shepherds in the middle of the night.

And then these same shepherds leave their special assignment to go "over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened..." Luke 2:15b  Why keep watch over the sheep that can only at best cover the sins of the people for one year?  The Christ is born!

Scripture repeatedly admonishes us to "Fear not" because we tend to get freaked out!  In Deuteronomy, just as Joshua is to take over from Moses' leadership into the Promised Land, God gave a powerful command for Joshua's benefit.  "Be strong and courageous.  do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake."  Deuteronomy 31:6  

In history, as in our current situations, any new or frightening event can cause us to be fearful and in dread.  The Israelites were heading into the new land.  The Shepherds were about to meet the Saviour of the world!  The unknown, the unseen can cause us to be so filled with fear and trepidation.  But thanks be to God that He promises to never leave us or forsake us.  God goes with us into every new thing!

Be blessed today as you consider God's presence in the Christmas story and beyond...