The Shepherds’ Story

Don’t you love stories? Stories play a significant role in society.  They serve as a cornerstone of human culture and communication. Stories are a means of conveying knowledge, values, and shared experiences across generations. We connect with a story. 

The Old Testament was passed on to generations through oral tradition. Stories act as vessels for preserving history, traditions, and moral values. It is a way of passing on wisdom and lessons that form the beliefs and behaviors of future generations.

Stories captivate the imagination.  Especially as a child.  What stories do you remember being told when you were growing up?   I had so much fun with my daughters and telling stories.  The “go to” stories centered around the adventures of two little mice, Beatrice and Bethany who lived in the Friendly Pine Woods, inhabited by various intriguing characters.  There was Nana Goose who flew over the woods calling out, “Oh what a Wonderful Day.” 

There was Bobby Beaver, Grumble Bear, and the ominous Big Black, a mean and nasty cat who lived in the Knotty Pine Woods.  There was Whiny Weasel who was a bit irritating at times as he was always complaining. But, it was a wonderful world to which we could escape and find a warm and meaningful joy in life.

Stories can be more than entertainment; they can be a vital tool for connection and learning, and sharing real life experiences. Can you imagine the story that the Shepherds told about their experience with seeing that angel and hearing the announcement that was proclaimed on that mountainside?

 “We were out in the fields, not far from here, guarding the sheep. Suddenly, there was this radiant burst of light that continued to shine ever so brightly.  We had never seen anything like it.  Then, we heard a voice coming from the light and we saw a figure.  It was an angel of the Lord! We then realized that this was the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounding us. We were terrified, but the angel reassured us and said, “Don’t be afraid!”  ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’ and Then, And Then! The angel was joined by a vast host of others—what appeared to be the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

“Then the angels returned to heaven, we looked at each other and all at once, and together, we said,  “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”   We took off and hurried to the village as fast as we could and it was amazing!  We found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger just like the angel had told us.“

Now, that is a story!  This is the third week in what has come to be known as Advent.  Four Sundays before Christmas which focus on Jesus’ coming to this earth. The theme for this Third Sunday of Advent is Joy and focuses on the joy the world experienced at the birth of Jesus and the joy believers have in anticipating His coming.

I pray that new and fresh stories are formed in your lives as you enjoy your families. Cherish your time together and warm each other with the stories you share together and experience the JOY that Jesus has for you as you celebrate His birth.

Merry Christmas!

Larry