There is one chorus we sing in Sunday School that I have difficulty with; ‘I just want to be a sheep, baa, baa, baa, bah.’ I do not want to be a sheep! Have you ever spent time with sheep? Sure, the lambs look cute in the green pastures, but as they grow their true nature shows. They can be dirty, clueless and they are totally dependent – even Psalms 23 highlights that fact. I do not want to be a sheep – well context does matter – so see my response at the end!
In the nativity, portrayed by Thomas Kinkade, a shepherd is kneeling in front of a manger with the Christ child laying therein. He has some sheep with him too. If you go to Bethlehem today, you can visit the shepherd’s fields just outside of the village heading towards Jerusalem. Here you find pastures and caves where the shepherds would look after their sheep. It is also thought based on Micah 5:2-5, ‘But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore, he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace,’ that this was the location of the Migdal Eder, the tower of the flock, and the sheep that were looked after were for sacrifice in the Jerusalem Temple. Shepherds would care for these sheep year-round for when they were needed to atone and offer sacrifice for the people. Such important animals and without blemish.
It was these shepherds that the night sky opened with angels singing ‘Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace among men/women with whom He is pleased’ (Luke 2:14). Peace promised again, especially after the shepherds were terribly afraid of what they were witnessing. As the shepherds faced their fears, they desired to seek the ‘thing’ that had been made known to them, and they hurried to see Mary, Joseph and found Jesus. As a result, they sang and praised God for what they witnessed and heard.
Fear was turned into courage. Normality was turned into hopefulness and worship turned into praise. These shepherds were changed and had a sense of the peace that was promised. Sheep do not need to worry if they have a shepherd that cares for them, because that shepherd will look after their needs. The shepherd knows the sheep and their behaviors and proactively provides for them. The sheep can therefore be at peace. Peace like a baby sleeping. Peace with adoring parents looking at a baby. Peace with shepherds who look at the promised one before them – the Christ.
So, do I want to be a sheep? Not literally, but figuratively! I definitely want to be in the flock of Jesus. He takes care of me as well as you and turns any fears around so we can face our days with courage, joy, hope, praise, and perfect peace. Listen now to the Territorial Staff Band playing “In Ducli Jubilo” and join us next week in this advent series as we reflect on the cattle and manger.