Joy Comes in the Morning

It was a dirty, smelly, thankless job.  Shepherds who were rough and crass, were out taking care of their sheep one night.  Joy was not a characteristic used to describe them.  They got up each day and spent long hours out in the fields, went to bed and repeated it all again the next day; day in and day out.

On this night, however, something happened. As they sat around their campfires, swapping stories, the sky lit up as if it were day.  Angels, thousands upon thousands, were in the air bringing good news of great joy! A Savior had been born!

These strong and viral men were terrified and quaking at the sight.  Just as they had appeared, the angels suddenly disappeared.  The men slowly shook themselves out of the stupor they were in and began to talk about what had just happened. 

“Let’s go and find this baby!”  So off they went, leaving their flocks with a caretaker.  They made their way into the village of Bethlehem and found what the angel had declared!  The baby that would be the savior.  Their response was epic – these men who never let anyone push them around, who were known for brawling and drinking and cussing, fell to their knees and worshiped. It was the only gift they had to give; awe and worship.

And as they returned back to their flocks, in the light of a new morn, praise was on their lips.  God’s gift had indeed brought rejoicing in the morning!

Psalm 30:4-5 ~

Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;
    praise his holy name.
 For his anger lasts only a moment,
    but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
    but joy comes in the morning.