Every wonder why the shepherd were told. Ever wonder why wise men were told by God and not the King Herod. We see two tribes of people of Israel but not necessarily Israelites by birth they could of been Midianites and Moabites by birth, as well as offspring from Jesse other children.Abraham and Lot were the first shepherds mention in scripture, but not the last of the ancestors of Israel and other tribes. There is Moses family from the Midianites and King David was a shepherd king. With that information where the shepherds come from or their blood lines may of had ties to all three groups of people that would expanded over time. No one knows for sure.Yet if we study who the wise men probably were from the east and then the shepherds we understand that Israel was being awaken by the prophecy of old. God often talked of his people as being sheep. Moses training was caring for sheep before God had him herd Israel to the promise land. A blessing perhaps because without a shepherd sheep do really dumb things and get themselves in all kinds of danger. With a shepherd to guide them they do quite well as far as survival. They are animal that needs tending too and carefully taken care of. Sheep in general hear the shepherd voice and know to follow it and not a stranger will they follow if they learn to obey the voice of the shepherd.

We got shepherds in the field watching over their sheep, gathering perhaps over a roasted lamb or a barbeque that night when out of no where comes this brilliant light, brighter then the fire light. The sky was brilliant and the angel began to speak and tell them not to be afraid, for he brought goods news of great joy that would be unto all people. For unto you this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Then the angel gives them specifics about what they will see if they go in search of baby Jesus, that he lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. (a blanket tucked nice and firm around baby Jesus). The a host of angels appeared sing to the shepherds the good nws about Jesus.

I can not help but think of every Christmas pageant of young children as they begin to sing the christmas songs concerning the shepherds, called Hark the Hearled Angels Sing. Truth the announcement our Lord has come and let all earth sing. It is that moment the jubilation of the church seems to echo the recount of the story of the shepherds. It is at that moment that the shepherds make there way to the platform to see baby Jesus. It is at that moment the church knows not much longer in the pageant. Our shepherds will not reach the manger today. I want us to think what the message of the angels meant to those Shepherds, who long for their Savior. Who longed for the great shepherd to come and teach the people. Waiting for the Chief Shepherd to come. Did they not know a shepherd was coming one that would feed the people. Today we lie in wait for the return of our Shepherd King to feed his flock. Yet every day he feeds his people if they will listen to His voice. He feeds them with his word and by His Spirit. He will feed us with prophesy of his coming, he will feed us with the knowledge and wisdom. He will in his appearance gives each of his children a crown of glory that will not fade away. Yet this time he wore no crown and when he died they only gave him a crown of thorns. We talk of a shepherd that brings peace, but we see opposition to Christ message as he walked the earth and even after. Yet we rejoice all because of the prophecy of Christ coming. Now the angels declare him here, and one day an angel will declare his coming to the entire world, not just to a small group of people.

Are you hearing the Lord has come once and will come again. HIs message is clear, he brought peace the first time the prophecy that coming is judgment to the world. Where are you in faith? The shepherds were afraid, and perhaps startled, will you be afraid with his coming a second time. We all wait, but will we be ready. Will we be fearful even though we believe. Are you ready for the call of Christ coming to redeem his people once more. To claim his people from all four corners of the earth.

Dear Heavenly Father give us grace to not be in fear of your coming, but wait in anticipation of your call. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: 1 Peter 5:1-4 KJV
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Jeremiah 23:1-6 KJV
1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.
2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.
5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.