Sounding Joy
Read Luke 2:8-21
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
It may seem a ridiculous question, but ask yourself: if God had chosen the year 2020 to send His One and Only Son, who might be selected to receive an angelic announcement? Who are the shepherds of today and what can we learn by comparison?
As of the writing of this book, the lowest-wage earners in America work in the fast-food industry. Like the shepherds of Jesus' day, these folks barely scrape out a living and suffer the negative stigma attached to their places of employment. Currently, the average age of a fast-food employee is 29 years. More than half of these workers, though they earn a paycheck, also depend on government assistance programs to stay afloat. More than 80 percent lack benefits and health insurance, and 80 percent of these workers suffer injuries while on the job.
Now, before you dismiss the comparison between shepherds and, let's say, a McDonald's drive-thru cashier, understand that America has grown dependent on the 3.7 million people who work in fast-food kitchens. In much the same way, communities throughout the Middle East relied on shepherds to tend, raise, and herd livestock. Without the work of shepherds, people could go hungry and possibly naked. Though these men, and boys, subsisted in the lowest working class of society, the work of their hands helped provide, meat, milk, and wool.
Theirs was an essential yet thankless job. It could be a dangerous one, too. We talk often about the fear these shepherds experienced when angels appeared out of nowhere, but these workers were already well acquainted with fear — of hunger and destitution, danger from bandits or wild animals, falling asleep on the job, or losing the master's sheep on dark and rocky hillsides. Fear of rejection, too. They knew very little peace.
No wonder the angels began by saying, "Don't be afraid." It was to people in these circumstances that God’s message of peace was most welcomed. Kings in palaces and priests in temples have little to fear. Often, they are lulled into complacency, a cheap substitute for God’s peace. So, God directed the first public declaration of Jesus’ birth to shepherds spending yet another night in the cold and dark after a hard day of work to provide for their families.
Between the angelic chorus and their desperation for good news, the shepherds lost little time traveling to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus for themselves. Unlike the magi who would come two years later, they had no expensive gifts to offer. They avoided the notice of King Herod. They came directly, sheep in tow, and worshipped Christ. And when they left, repeating the sounding joy, they declared to all who would listen, how peace had finally arrived. Just a few travel-weary shepherds were the world’s first evangelists.
Our world has always had shepherds keeping watch overnight. Those essential yet often overlooked members of society. People who work hard so that others might enjoy some benefit, comfort, or security. Jesus came for fast-food employees and shepherds, kings and cashiers — for all.
Do you find yourself on the edges of society? Has fear kept you in the dark, worrying how you’ll make it to see the dawn? If so, pay special attention to the angels’ words to the shepherds: do not be afraid. God has a message of peace and great joy for you and anyone who will hear it.
Maybe you can’t relate. Perhaps you’re experiencing the dual blessing of comfort and security. My guess is, you still understand fear. You know how fragile and temporary your situation is. Longing for a peace that isn’t dependent on the stock market or next election? Jesus came for you, too. Don’t be fooled by His humble estate and the wide variety of people standing around the manger or the cross. Kings and shepherds are on level ground as they kneel before the Savior.
Prince of Peace,
Speak into the darkness of my fear.
Give me faith to believe You interrupt the routines of this world to bring Your peace.
Open my eyes to see You in the humility of a manger or in a crowd of lowly shepherds and lonely hearts.
Amen.
The Music of Christmas is available in print or digital formats.
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