And [the shepherds] came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:16-20
Wait! Where did the shepherds go after Bethlehem? They made known abroad what the angels said. Where was abroad?
And, in verse 20, they returned praising God. Returned from where?
I can’t say I know the answers to these questions. But I have read some interesting theories. Maybe these were no ordinary shepherds. Maybe they were actually shepherds keeping watch over special flocks destined for sacrifice in the Temple.
And, since some scholars think Jesus was actually born in the spring, maybe these shepherds were on their way to Jerusalem with passover lambs. Wouldn’t that be poetic of God?
I don’t know if it is true, but I love contemplating all that would mean. And, of course, I’m writing a novel about it.
I pray that you, like the shepherds, will come with haste this week and find Jesus — not lying in a manger, but reigning on a throne. And yet, at home in your heart.
Merry Christmas