My Dear Ones in Christ Jesus,
Warm Greetings in the Advent season!
As loved ones gather to celebrate this blessed Christmas season with food and festivities, I find my thoughts drawn to the humble shepherds and the town of Bethlehem – the place where our Saviour was born and where hope entered the world in the most unexpected way. I and my husband Simon had the privilege of visiting Bethlehem this year in early April to retrace the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Shepherds in Judea during Bible times faced many challenges. They played a crucial role in preparing the Passover lamb. The shepherds’ role was vital, as the Passover lamb symbolized God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Their diligence and care ensured the lambs were worthy of sacrifice, reflecting the importance of purity and devotion in Jewish tradition.
Let’s take a glimpse into the lives of the humble shepherds.
- The shepherds worked outdoors, braving extreme temperatures, rain, and wild animals to protect their flocks. Shepherding was physically demanding, requiring long hours and hard work.
- The shepherds were often marginalized and considered unclean by society, making them outcasts. They struggled to make a living, relying on their flocks for income.
Despite these challenges, the shepherds played a vital role in Judea’s economy and culture, providing essential resources like wool, milk, and meat. It was the lowly shepherds who saw the hosts of angels and were given the good news of the Saviour of the world being born in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. I can imagine how excited the shepherds must have been on that cold winter night and taken their best lamb as a present for baby Jesus. I’m reminded of a poem by Christina Rossetti
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. -Micah 5:2
In the quiet of that night, beneath the stars, a miraculous event unfolded that would forever change the course of history. The birth of Jesus in a manger exemplifies God’s love for us and His desire to meet us in our own humble circumstances. Though Bethlehem was ‘small among the clans of Judah’ yet Bethlehem became a reminder for us that greatness can emerge from simplicity, and that God’s plans often unfold in surprising ways. As we reflect on the significance of this holy birthplace, let us remember that Christ’s arrival brings light to our darkness, comfort in our struggles, and joy to our hearts. Just as the shepherds recognized this miracle and came to worship the newborn King, we too are called to approach Him with hearts full of adoration and gratitude.
We may be in a position feeling lonely, rejected or abandoned, a health condition or in the daily grind of our lives. May you be encouraged by the word of the Lord who became flesh and dwelt among us as He truly cares about you. He has a plan for your life to give you a future and a hope. This Christmas, as we rejoice in the gift of our Saviour, let us also reach out to those in our community who may be feeling lost, alone, or forgotten, just as the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem were drawn to the light of the star guiding them to the manger. May we embody the spirit of Bethlehem by bringing love, sharing kindness, and extending hope to others.
CHANGE THE WORLD – by Geraldine E. Foster
Emperors, Knights, Presidents and Kings All set out to change the world.
Made their plans, pulled their strings, Proud their victory flags unfurled.
The Living God laughs them to scorn. He Who made the world (and them),
Came Himself on Christmas morn, Baby born in Bethlehem.
This God, Who came as Man enfleshed, Jesus, lived a life like ours.
Yet no sin His feet enmeshed. Conquered death and all its powers.
Jesus died and lives again. Trust Him now, your sin be hurled.
Life He gives. In you He lives. Together, you can change the world .
I wish you and your loved ones a Blessed Saviour’s day from our family to yours and a Happy New Year!
Grace Paljor
President, CFOI Board of Trustees
