The Unexpected Guests: What the Shepherds Teach Us About Jesus’ Birth
“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” ~ Lk 2:15b
I can’t say I have something insightful to share but I take the opportunity to ponder on the visit by the shepherds.
I the nativity scene for granted because Jesus being the Messiah is a given for a cradled Catholic like me. Today, I pretend I am part of the scene.
Being the shepherd
It’s evening and tired of taking care of the sheep all day long. I’m hanging out by the fire chatting with my fellow shepherds when all of a sudden angels appear to give me some news about the king of Israel being born.
- Why me? I’m a low class shepherd and of no important influence.
- I’m tired. I know my scripture but could I be hallucinating?
- We are near this tiny town, why is this happening here?
- Who are this Joseph and Mary? I’m supposed to go find them and honor them? Where?
- A king born in a manger? Huh?
These are just a few of the questions that come to mind as I pretend to be one of these shepherds.
Evidently, this experience has been so life changing that my colleagues and I decide to pay a visit to this new parents.
Who are these strangers?
My child was just born. We are in the lowest of places. The city is so crowded we couldn’t find a room on short notice.
A manger was our best choice for a crib. Nobody knows us. No one is coming to help. Yet, here lies the son of God, the promised Messiah.
Suddenly, someone shows up and wants to see the child.
- Who are these people and why are they here?
- Are we safe?
- How did they find us?
- What am I supposed to do about this?
- They tell me angels appeared and told them about us. Can I trust them?
Not much is said the interaction since it doesn’t matter to the bigger story but I have so many questions about this interaction.
Taking it for granted
A pattern in Jesus story line is the counter intuitive way it evolves.
The people of Israel had been oppressed for centuries. All prophecies about The Messiah talk about a king that will restore Israel to its glory. It’s common sense for an oppressed population to expect their Savior to be a powerful military and influential figure. After all, that was David’s story. It happened before, it can happen again.
Yet, Jesus was born in a tiny town of Bethlehem. Not in a fancy inn, but in a place that’s used to feed animals.
The signs come to shepherds who are very low in status. Why?
It’s possible that the shepherds represent the image of the Good Shepherds and Jesus’ future role of shepherding the people into God’s kingdom. Additionally, their status in society, sends the message that God’s peace is available for everyone.
Bethlehem was known as the City of David, and it’s name in Hebrew means “house of bread.” As if foreshadowing Jesus being the Bread of Life, the sacrament we are invited to receive in the Eucharist.
We tend to read scripture with modern eyes and with the given assumption that we know Jesus is the Christ. In the process, we miss the depth and richness of why some things are mentioned in scripture and others aren’t.
Today, we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus, the one we believe made salvation of mankind possible. The question I am left with as I reflect on the nativity story is: how close am I to being like the shepherds in this story? How open am I to spread the good news that everyone is welcomed to this feast?
In peace,
~Juan
