In the fields of grace



From the church above Bethlehem
 that honors the shepherds



Luke says of these unknown men: "There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed "

Unknown men, don't know what happened to them. Don't know if they told anyone about this, though clearly someone did or we wouldn't be reading it.

What a night. What a vision. What a wonderful gift to a group of men who knew few gifts. Remember, they were out sleeping with sheep, smelling like sheep. They were not a group of theologians. They weren't a group of important characters. They were you and me, workers, who had a long moment with the divine.

God uses the unimportant to make important moments in our lives. He's always done it and he still does.

Simply make yourself ready for that time when the heavens split and God sends angels. Or that time when you simply feel you should give a neighbor a lift to the doctor. Same thing; different verse.

What a life. What a vision.