Why the Shepherds Came

At Christmas we see the shepherds coming to the place where Jesus was born, following the announcement brought by angels.

But we need to understand that these shepherds did not come to Jesus to adore Him.

They came to inspect Him.

The baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

The baby wrapped as a newborn lamb was wrapped.

They came to inspect a lamb born for sacrifice.

To be sure that this lamb was flawless. Without blemish.

Acceptable.

And they went on their way praising God.

Because here, at last was THE lamb.

The Lamb promised through Abraham when he said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering."

This was the lamb free from all sin.

From all wordly corruption.

The only lamb that could ever be truly perfect.

The lamb declared by John the Baptist as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."

This was the lamb sent from Heaven.

To save us from our sin.

And they went on their way rejoicing.

That the promise of salvation was here before their very eyes.

That for those living in the land of the shadow of death the light has dawned.

We celebrate a baby born.

The shepherds saw the love of God revealed in human form.

In Jesus.

They saw the promise of God fulfilled.

They saw hope.

They saw life.

When we come to Jesus today and see Him as who He truly is.

Our lamb.

We go on our way rejoicing too.

And we give glory to God.