Luke 2:16 is one of the more interesting passages in the Christmas story, if you really think about it. It reads, “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”
We’ve read it so many times, that it just seems natural. But put yourself in the shepherds’ sandals for a moment. (See what I did there?) During the day, the shepherds work. They take care of the sheep. They are out in the fields making sure the sheep get enough to eat, enough to drink, help birth baby sheep, they keep predators away (both animal and human). It’s a busy day. It becomes a bit easier at night, because they’ve put all the sheep into the sheep pen (or enclosed field, as opposed to free range), and can rest and recuperate for the night, before starting it all over again the next day.
And then something TERRIFYING happens. This “ghostly” figure appears and speaks to them. They have no idea what’s going on or who this is. What kind of a threat is this to their sheep? To their livelihood? Then a whole bunch of “ghostly” figures show up, so they know he’s not alone, and it becomes a huge threat. Then they all vanish. That’s probably the most terrifying part of it all.
“Quick, count the sheep to make sure they are all there.” Not an easy task in the dark of the night.
"OK, group huddle. Should we go to Bethlehem and find this kid?”
“Not me. That scared the bejeebies outta me!”
“But what if it’s true? What if the Messiah has been born, and we ignore it.”
“You’re right. If he is the Messiah, I can’t ignore that.”
[Dramatic Pause] Actually, that’s pretty wise words from the shepherd. If Jesus is the Messiah, you’d better not ignore Him this Christmas season.