Our Eternal Hope this Advent Season – The Shepherds’ Joy

There was nothing prestigious about the job of the shepherd. Shepherds were usually from poor families and considered to be of very low societal status. Not only did society look down upon them, but their work was difficult, particularly at night. Shepherds kept watch over their flocks, ensuring sheep did not wander into danger, and preventing predators, like wolves, from ravaging their flocks.

With that in mind, it is noteworthy that the Lord would choose to announce the news of Jesus’ birth to such a group; a group of people who by societal standards would have been unremarkable. Yet scripture tells us that is exactly what happened. That seems to be a pattern of our Lord—using the seemingly unnoteworthy, ill-prepared and unequipped, at least by human standards, to accomplish His purposes.

Joy That Overflows

After getting past their initial fear of the angel’s appearance and announcement, upon learning of the birth of the Messiah and then seeing Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus for themselves, their joy could not be contained. They spread word of Jesus and glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen.

Their lives had not changed in material ways. They were still poor. Their social status remained the same. People would still look down upon them. The work remained difficult and dangerous. Their newfound joy was neither the result of their circumstances nor their status. It was rooted solely in their hope in the newborn Messiah. And their joy was such that they could not keep it to themselves.

That’s usually the effect joy has on people: it’s not easily hidden. Joyous people are often infectious, desiring to spread their joy to others.

In this third week of Advent, may our joy be like that of the shepherds. May it be rooted in the presence and hope of Jesus alone. Like the shepherds, may our joy be overflowing, such that we are compelled to share the good news of our savior with everyone everywhere we go, “…glorifying and praising God for all the things [we have] heard and seen…” (Luke 2:20).