Abiding Shepherds (The Night Shift)

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
– Luke 2:8-12 KJV

It’s so touching, Lord, seeing Your shepherds just minding their own business, or as You have written in Your word… abiding… in the field… where their business was… keeping watch… over what was given to them to watch… the flock… by night… because even the night shift is just as important in looking over what You have entrusted to us. Our children, our people, our assignments, our tasks, and our many gifts You have entrusted to each of us.

Just as the many emergency workers look over the city to protect the people, whether it be the police officers, the firefighters, the medical personnel in the hospital, the emergency room, the ambulance, the soldiers (whether assigned local or afar), and even the simple professions (as most people thought of the shepherds) like those working convenience stores, the late night restaurants, the snow plows who make it possible for emergency workers to get gas, to get to work, to get home, to keep gas in the vehicles between each run, to keep the workers fed, to provide medicines they made need for a cold or a headache, and the many things we may not think on. It’s the night shift… the shift where most of the world has shut down for the night.

Your shepherds were in their field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And then Your angel appeared. How incredible Your glory must have been to shine all around them. But I could understand how that could seem terrifying to those shepherds in the dark of night to see the sky lit up all around them. How thoughtful and patient of You to comfort their fear first thing. That’s You… to be so attentive and personal.

Thank You for the good news of Your Son, and for including everyone in that good tidings for great joy which was to be to ALL people! Jesus is the greatest joy ever! Thank You for being a God who’s willing to give us signs. How beautiful of a sign was Your Son as He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in that manger.

Thank You for allowing us to be reminded of Your loving Son. It adds to the great anticipation of Your Son. How You must have felt. Thank You for sharing Him with us. Congratulations on Your new arrival… then… each year… and when we are finally home with the both of You.

My Day 23 of the Christmas 31 Day Scripture Writing Plan.
(I won’t have notes for each day.
I am doing whatever You allow, Lord.
Whatever You give! It’s all about You!)

My Day 1: Knowledge to Know

My Day 2: Obedience Is Trusting You

My Day 3: Quick Understanding

My Day 4: Glorious Rest

My Day 5: Comfort Ye My People

My Day 6: Good Tidings

My Day 7: That Good Thing

My Day 8: Abundant Peace

My Day 9: He Shall Have Dominion

My Day 10: His Name Shall Endure Forever

My Day 11: Come

My Day 12: Fuller’s Soap