Much has been said about the shepherds just outside of Bethlehem - how shocked they must have been the night Jesus was born. The amazing reality is that, similar to the God of the universe arriving in humility in a dirty stable, the first people that were made aware of the Messiah’s birth were of humble societal status. We know how they rushed to see the newborn King, and how they were in awe.  It is what comes next, after the shock of seeing the glory of worshiping heavenly hosts, and after visiting the newborn Savior of the world, that I want to focus on. In Luke 2:17, 20 it says, “When they had seen him, they 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…The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”I love that the shepherds didn’t simply hold on to the news they received and keep it for themselves. They understood that this gift was to be shared and they were to be the messengers. They shared the good news with everyone they could, praising and glorifying God in the process. They knew that the hope they carried with them was for anyone who would listen. The unexpected shock of the shepherds being chosen to receive this “good news of great joy” is due to the reality that we don’t often associate those that have little to offer. Internally, we tend to limit the offering based on the perceived capacity to give.  On December 4th, our 8th grade students gathered at our primary school with a small group of teachers to participate in their day of service, which is part of their ROPES (Rights of Passage) program. The students contributed 20,000 Kenya Shillings, or roughly $200, through fundraising and their own resources. With the money, they purchased supplies to take to the Shadow Mountain Children’s Home and helped the home pay off a pending utility bill of $40. The children then proceeded with their teachers and principal to the home, spending the whole day doing laundry, cooking and cleaning. At the end of the day they shared in a time of worship with the staff and children at the home.

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Our students, in many ways, reflect the shepherds - coming from humble beginnings, but willing vessels. Many wouldn’t expect our children who receive assistance, to then in turn give assistance to others.  Yet, that is exactly how God works. Our students are learning what it means to receive, and in turn give to others. When we understand the gift that is not circumstantial in its very nature, we can live in freedom and offer God’s truth and love to others.Most of us spend so much of our lives trying to avoid being the shepherds of our modern age - poor and humble. Yet, we are called to be like these shepherds, humble in spirit, ready to receive, that we might then give. The beautiful conclusion of the shepherds receiving and sharing the Good news and our students receiving and then offering help, is that in both cases it ended in praise and worship to God.As we anticipate the coming of our Messiah, may our hearts be filled with a hope that overflows into the lives of others, and may we offer praise and worship for this unmatchable gift we have been given.