The story of the shepherds at the birth of Jesus is one which we tend to romanticize, a part of the story that can become pale and lifeless if not seen through the biblical lens.
In Jesus’ day, shepherds were a scurrilous bunch, generally speaking. They were considered liars and thieves by the general public. They came to the manger in desperate need.
We also tend to downplay the fear that is in this story. The shepherds on the Hallmark cards are mildly reverent. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote that we tend to come to this scene in the Christmas story and we “no longer feel the shiver of fear that God’s coming should arouse in us.”
This Christmas, make sure to paint the Nativity scene with needy sinners and fearsome angels. Paint your Christmas story with the bold colors that surround the coming glory of God veiled in flesh. Cast aside the tame and rather dull Christmas portrait and see again the Christmas story of the Bible - a wild, extraordinary, supernatural event that would turn the world upside-down!
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