The Shepherds

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,

“. . . the shepherds said to one another,   ‘Let us go to Bethlehem

 and see this  thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about’”

 Luke 2:15 (NIV)

God sent angels to the poorest of the poor-shepherds out in the fields tending their sheep. The artisans, the merchants, and priests considered the shepherds as persona non grata. The others didn’t want the shepherds or their families around.

But God honored the shepherds by having the angels bring the good news of Jesus’ birth. The news excited the shepherds. They decided to quickly go into Bethlehem to see the new-born King for themselves.

Does our 21^st Century have people who look down on others due to circumstances in life? I’m afraid we do. In our local newspaper this past week, a head line and story caused me angst for two reasons. Someone had vandalized the air-conditioning unit at an area shelter for women who were trying to get away from abusive situations. These ‘people’ took the copper tubing from the unit. One of the women who was interviewed felt that situation could have been worse- they could have taken the tubing from the heating system. One good thing was someone working there that night heard noises outside and called the authorities.

Several years ago, I read a collection of Karen Kingsbury’s books entitled, “The Red Glove Series.” At the end of each book she lists projects that families can do to help others during the Christmas season. Some of these were very simple ideas. I wish I had made a list of them for future reference.

In a sense, we all have needs. Take a look around your area, see people whom you pass by and then ask God to care for those people’s needs.