December 17, 2020

Today’s Hope
Written by Guest Writer, Joy Mathis Chadwick

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke 2:8 KJV

Have you ever tried to round up an old cow who had strayed outside the fence and was headed towards the road – at night? Or worse, have you ever tried to get the whole herd back in the fenced pasture – at night? It ain’t easy. So if you have cattle, or horses, or sheep, you really count on those “silent nights” when “all is calm”.

This verse about the shepherds abiding in the field just might be one of my favorites. There’s so much hope and inspiration wrapped up in those 19 words.

First of all, the shepherds just so happened to be in the same county, right there near Bethlehem. Hmmm, what a coincidence – or not. And they were abiding, which means that they were there for a long time, a long night. Enduring. It would make for a very long night if something caused those sheep to scatter and run, maybe something like a host of angels; but the Bible doesn’t say whether or not the sheep ran off; there were more important things at hand. And then I wonder how many times have we, too, endured a long night, just waiting on a word from God.

And the next part of this verse I like is that they were out in the field. That’s pretty much a given, since that’s where the sheep were. But for an old country girl, there’s not many places more peaceful than being out in the field. I would imagine that they had a bonfire to keep the coyotes away, or maybe for warmth, or maybe just for the comfort that a bonfire brings on a dark night.

And the very last phrase, “keeping watch over their flocks by night”; oh but that makes my heart so happy. Not only did God our Father send His Son to us on a dark night, He is still keeping watch over us throughout all of our dark days and dark nights. If ever our world felt totally dark, it’s now; but hang on, don’t be afraid – because good news is a’comin’!

Let’s just sum up this good news:
Fear not – no need to be afraid ever again
Good tidings of great joy – good news here to stay
For ALL people – not just for a select few, but for anyone who believes
Peace – regardless of our outward circumstances
Good will – a disposition to kindness and compassion; an intangible asset

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:10, 14 KJV