An Angel, a Shepherd, and a Lamb

An angel, a shepherd, and a lamb -- all were present during the first Christmas night, and all played an important role in the Christmas story.  If you haven't done so, pull out your Bible (hopefully you're blessed with having one) and read the Christmas story again.
The shepherds were the lowliest of people back in those days.  Left to watch sheep both day and night, they were a hardy bunch, and I can envision them being scruffy, gruff, and tough.  They had to be to protect their precious, defenseless sheep from predatory animals and from the pitfalls in the rough countryside.  Sheep, dumb animals at best, were easily frightened and would scatter in different directions, making the job of the shepherds particularly challenging.  And thus they were out on the hillsides on a cold, dark night when an angel of the Lord appeared in the sky overhead, causing the shepherds to tremble in fear!  Suddenly, their dark, peaceful night had exploded in blazing color, dazzling light, and a voice from heaven.  I can only imagine what they thought as they covered their eyes and fell to their knees, terrified at the sight before them.  Fear quickly turned to joy when the news the angel delivered registered in their simple, yet trusting, hearts and minds.  The Messiah had come!
God chooses the simple things of this world to spread his Word, and this past week he used little children to do just that.  Three of our young grandsons attend the same preschool located in a Baptist church.  Their Christmas Program was on Monday, and the parents and half of the grandparents of all three attended.  In fact, there were lots of family members filling the auditorium.  All of the approximately 30 children, ages 3 and 4 years, were simply dressed as angels, shepherds, or sheep.  Niland was a shepherd; Cooper was a sheep; and Wilson was an angel.  I thought it was neat that they were three different characters.  They sang three songs, jingling bells during "Jingle Bells", and they blessed everyone who was there.  Cameras clicked and recorded videos for this grand event, a reflection of that night thousands of years ago when an angel, shepherds, and sheep were chosen to be part of the greatest story ever told. 
The photos attached show our grandsons and the other small children during their performance.  Oh that we could be like them, enthralled and captivated with the season -- not for the commercialism -- but for the birth of the Savior of mankind -- Jesus.

As you prepare for this special season, my prayer is that each of you keep the real meaning of Christmas in the center of your heart and mind.  After all, Christ is Christmas.