Remember the shepherds weren't just twiddling their thumbs the night when angel Gabriel appeared to them.. as much as it may be boring at times.. they were guarding their sheep. In the evening especially is when the predators come out. So it is important that they remain alert. I would imagine they didn't get much sleep.
It is interesting that God first tells about the arrival of His son to these outcasts of society. These lone rangers under the midnight stars. And they believed him. And they listened to what God said through the angel Gabriel that "The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!" And they quickly went on their way saying "Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they left their flock.. their prized possessions.. their livelihood... and they made the trek.
Even with the stars, it is difficult to navigate your way around these rocky, sometimes muddy desolate places at night..but they were eager and desperate to get to Jesus. What courage these shepherds had.
What courage the wise men had as they followed the star and ventured to see the Messiah. They took a risk, and disobeyed their King.. out of obedience to God, and to encounter the True King.
What courage Mary and Joseph had as they fled from Egypt at night..because Herod was out to murder the child which God had entrusted to them... the Christ.
These are uncomfortable situations. They are trying. They are testing. And all required obedience. Even when it came to disobeying local authority in order to obey Heavenly authority. God himself.
In Morocco, it is legal for foreigners to follow Christ, and worship at government approved churches (there are only a handful I would imagine in the country) however it is illegal to proselytize and share your faith. For Moroccans however.. it is absolutely prohibited to be a Christian. Men stand guard at the local churches ensuring our safety and that locals don't come in. I have so enjoyed and appreciated being able to worship freely with my friends here at a local government approved church.. but even so.. my heart goes out to those who are unable to do so.
I would encourage you this Christmas, just to really thank God for the freedom that you have to worship Him within your country.. and please pray our brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted and rejected because of their faith in Jesus.
Love you, thank you.. and I pray you enjoy this time as we celebrate.. and remember.. Jesus' birth.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
