The story goes…

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Luke 2:8-16

But what happened to the sheep? Somebody had to stay back and watch them, right? If the shepherds took the sheep with them they couldn’t have “hurried off.” Somebody would have had to stay back so the rest could go. Can you picture him, the last shepherd on a hilltop all by himself, spots in his eyes from angel light?

There are no Christmas carols about him, no little figurines, no Christmas cards. But look at the gifts he gave:

The last shepherd helped his friends give Mary a treasure:

When they had seen (the baby), (the shepherds) spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:17-20

Thirty-some years later, as Mary watched her son crucified, she had the treasure of the shepherd’s words to help her get through unimaginable pain so that she could witness the promise on the other side.

The last shepherd gave the people hope:

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:21

Because he stayed behind, the last shepherd’s friends could go and see the angel’s proclamation fulfilled. Then they spread the word…and the rumors of Jesus continue today.

All of this because some unknown guy just did his thing.

If you feel far away from Christmas, it’s ok. We are each a part of the story in our own unique way. Thank you for the countless gifts you give just by doing your thing.

Merry Christmas!!

-Cindy