And there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people.
For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:8-14
The angels disappeared. A great confusion and commotion began among the shepherds. Amidst cries of wonder and astonishment, each was looking about his goods for a gift suitable to bring the baby Messiah. Offerings of bread, blankets, wool and lambs were gathered as the shepherds prepared to visit the manger. Only a very small, very young shepherdess stood still and silent by the flocks of sheep.
With her tattered shawl wrapped tightly about her thin shoulders, the little girl gazed sadly at the backs of the sheep. She had no family, no one to help her prepare a gift for the newborn Savior. Still, she longed to see this wondrous Child. Even without a gift, she decided, she would go to the Bethlehem stable. Hopefully, no one would notice her. The warm, wooly smell and low baaing of the sheep made her feel better.
The lowly stable was not far. The shepherds approached quietly, joyfully. There, lying upon the sweet-smelling hay, was the tender Babe, only hours old, pink and rosy and all warmly wrapped in swaddling clothes. His eyes were closed. The soft murmuring of His breath made Him seem asleep, and a warm glow filled the wooden shed.
The little girl’s heart swelled at the sight of Him, so small and sweet and tender. Oh, how she longed to give Him something. He was so beautiful, her eyes filled with tears. One teardrop spilled over, ran down her faint cheek and splashed to the ground. She looked down and beheld, at her feet, a pale flower where the tear had fallen. Gladly, she picked it and went to lay it down by the Child’s head. As she approached, the Baby’s eyes blinked. His tiny fingers reached up and touched the flower, which turned a blushing rose pink, a Christmas rose.
The two children, One in the manger and one by His side, gazed joyfully at each other. The little girl touched the flower. In her heart she knew it was the least of the miracles that happened that night.
Have an AWE-fully Merry Christmas!
William “Bill” Bacque