The Shepherds and the Angels

In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock. Then an angel of e Lord stood before them, and the glory of The Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today a Saviour, who is the Messiah The Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough."
Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favours! Luke 2:8-14

I wonder if the shepherds were happy to be out in the fields? Last night the temperature was down to -2 degrees (centigrade) here in Tamworth. Although I have been camping I must confess camping in the cold is no fun at all, even with a fire, the night gets colder and your front might be warm but you back freezes. I wonder how diligent these shepherds were with the flock? We're thy up through the night, taking turns, to ensure no animal took off their sheep.

Did the angel come to righteous men? No! Probably not. They were probably ordinary shepherds. My great great grandfather was a shepherd, who came to Australia as a convict for stealing something he did not take. Even if he did he was eventually pardoned and allowed to migrate inland from Port Macquarie to a place near Armidale NSW called Bundarra. He and his wife had about 8 children. I now live not mUch more than 100kms from the land of my forefathers.

Reading up on my family history this grandfather was a good, god fearing man, for which I am grateful. The city of Armidale is a city of churches and now is a university town. The faith in that area was predominantly Anglican, for which I will not press charges as I have many good Anglican friends.

Anyway, back to the shepherds in the story. I love how God chose the lowly to spread the word of His Son's arrival. The wise men did more harm to him by reporting his coming to Herod. Whereas the shepherds spread the good news to ordinary folk who were amazed that finally the Messiah had come.

I join with the angels and say: " Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace on earth to those He favours." Amen!

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