First Baptist Church of Herndon

You Are Important

Linda Soller | Dec 12, 2016

Have you ever had to do that job or task which was the one nobody else really wanted? Maybe you do something like that every day. If not, then maybe you have found yourself surprised to see someone performing a task you would hate to do, and seeming okay with it. They get it. They have come to understand the value of what they do and take pride, maybe even enjoyment, in doing it well. They understand their work isn’t for everyone, but then no work really is. They even see the ripple effect of doing their job well. And oh yes, they are often under-appreciated for what they do. Maybe you have felt the same way.

The shepherds in the Christmas story were just those sort of people. They lived and worked outside with their flocks. They were seen as lowly, dirty, smelly, but necessary. After all, someone had to tend the sheep. But the shepherds loved their animals. They understood the animals needed their care and they knew how important the sheep and their products were to society. The shepherds also made the most of their nomadic life and shared local news along the way.

The shepherds saw the star in the sky. They knew the night sky well because they relied on it to guide them. When the Angels appeared to share the news of Jesus’ birth, it may have seemed like no big deal for some of the shepherds to run back in to the city to check it out. Sure it was night, and they were probably tired. Sure the journey could be dangerous amongst the wild animals and types of people who traveled about under the cover of darkness. But the shepherds were up to the task. They had to go see. They wanted to know. They had been chosen. They were important to God’s plan.

After their visit the shepherds spread the word. People along the road and in small towns heard the good news from the lowly shepherds. God could have sent the angels to tell powerful influential people, but he chose the shepherds. They were important and perfect for the task at hand. When God chooses you, never doubt that you are important. Your work is important. Your gifts, your life, your efforts are all important. The shepherds’ story is a humbling reminder that in God’s eyes we are all important, and that certainly includes you.  

Share Advent with someone important to you!    : o)  Linda