"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'" Lk 2:8-11
Herod's remodeled Temple brought Jewish visitors to Jerusalem from across the Roman world. Sacrifices were necessary to fulfill the law and with thousands of visitors each year, sacrifices had to be available nearby.
Just six miles away on the hillsides of Bethlehem hundreds of flocks were being raised as Temple sacrifices. The caretakers of these select sheep were shepherds, responsible to protect and raise the "perfect" lambs necessary for sacrifice to Yahweh. These caretakers were "detestable" in the eyes of the aristocrats and priests from the upper elements of society for whom they were raising their flocks. The irony is these detestable field hands were responsible for the care of the most important part of the Temple's activity.
It was to these most detestable members of society that the God of the Universe first announced his Christmas gift to the world. And not just any gift. This was the "Lamb of God" that would take away the sins of the world. Another irony, huh? The Lamb of God born among the residents of the caretakers of the "lambs of the Temple;" both designed to give their lives as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
We trust in these days filled with the excitement of Christmas music, lights, gifts, children, grandchildren…you will enjoy most of all, the relationship provided you by God's gift born that night in Bethlehem, the origin of sacrificial lambs, the Lamb of God who became your Savior.
Dr. Bur Shilling
Adjunct Faculty Member
Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies
No comments:
Post a Comment