The Journey to Bethlehem

"So it was when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us'" (Luke 2:15).

As we prepare for the Christmas season, I get lost in my thoughts regarding the characters involved in the Christmas story. This week, I pondered the shepherds in the field and what they experienced before witnessing Jesus's birth. Their story is found in the Gospel of Luke.

In Luke 2:8, we find the shepherds in a little town called Bethlehem. This town held around 300-1,000 people in Bible times. The shepherds lived and raised their sheep in the countryside of Bethlehem. One night changed their lives forever.

Suddenly, an angel appeared. Angels often terrified the people they encountered. These heavenly beings would have seemed to be different from humanity. They usually had male features, and the light of Jesus shone all around them (Luke 2:9).

The angel comforted the shepherds, saying, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:10-12). Can you hear the excitement in the angel's voice as he shares what awaited the shepherds?

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'" (Luke 2:13-14). Just when the shepherds thought this night couldn't get any more exhilarating, a host of angels appeared and began praising God. If angels can find time to glorify God, why is it difficult for us to spend ten minutes dwelling with Jesus? (That guilt trip was free. You're welcome.)

Here is my favorite verse in the entire story: "So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us" (Luke 2:15).

What stood out to me in this verse is that the shepherds asked no questions. They did not stand around and overanalyze the angel's words. I am the queen at stewing. I would remain in the country until I had all the details. Jesus would have been twenty-five years old when I made it to the city.

I believe the shepherds would have gathered up their sheep before leaving for town. A good shepherd would never leave his sheep behind in harm's way. What a huge undertaking! Can you imagine herding all those sheep while providing everything needed for the trip? I can barely walk my dog around the block without him stopping in the middle of the road or pulling on the leash, trying to turn me around in the opposite direction. I'm unsure how many sheep would have traveled along, but I can assure you it was more than one.

Lastly, they recognized the Lord sent this angel. The shepherds realized God handpicked them to meet His Son. Of all the people on the planet, God chose lowly shepherds. These men smelled terrible from living out in the fields with their sheep. In the world's view, they were of low status. They did not hold a political office or obtain a net worth. And yet, they were asked to participate in the most extraordinary story this world has ever witnessed.

While walking to Bethlehem, do you think the shepherds could have imagined what they would encounter? What do you think Mary and Joseph thought while listening to the story of how the shepherds left the countryside of Bethlehem to journey to the town?

This little town, Bethlehem, featured prominent figures in the Christmas story. Although it may have seemed small, it played a significant part in the birth of Christ. Check out my latest Bible study about Bethlehem, Little but Significant.

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