Shepherd's Surprise

Ezra sighed, settling back to watch the flocks just as he had for the past 17 years. He was dirty, and not well thought of in society; after all, shepherds were smelly, and generally none too bright.

But Ezra had a pride about his work. The sheep he cared for in Bethlehem were not just any sheep; but sheep raised for the temple in Jerusalem. His sheep were the ones the priest would sacrifice to make atonement for his people.

Ezra wasn't allowed in the temple; his work made him ceremonially unclean. But he took pride in his work. "I may not be allowed to visit in His Home," thought Ezra. "But the LORD is close, I think"

As he mused, a cold foreboding fell on the lone shepherd. The air seemed to shimmer, taking on an unearthly quality. Ezra sat up, clutching his staff..."Who's There?" he called.

"Ezra, it is I, Be not afraid."

"Be not afraid? What sort of greeting is this?"

The sky suddenly was ablaze with the glory of daylight, and Ezra saw a being hovering over him. "Do not be afraid, Ezra. I have good news, fantastic news--News of great joy!"

Ezra dropped to his knees. But the being stopped him. "No do not worship me--I am but a humble messenger. Instead, hear my news. This day, this very hour...In the city of David your ancestor a child is born. A Savior who is the Anointed One, the Lord! He has come to free his People. And I will tell you how to find him.

"You will find the child, wrapped in rags and laying in a feeding trough. You know the one!"

Ezra was thunderstruck--but even more so when the being was suddenly surrounded by a throng of other unworldly beings singing psalms and shouting , "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor has rested."

The shimmering passed and Ezra rose on shaky legs, marveling at what he had seen. As he set determined steps toward the manger, he never realized that the angelic being had also proclaimed a change in Ezra's status. Soon, the sheep would no longer be needed for sacrifice...