Shepherds, Wise Men, and Advent
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night Luke 2:8
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king,
behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem Matthew 2:1
Yet sometimes being unique isn’t so disheartening. Having a winning ticket; getting a promotion at work; sinking the winning basket in the championship game; being the only grandparent who remembered to bring pictures of the grandchildren; or the only one in your neighborhood able to get the snow blower started; are examples of times it can be a joy to be odd.
You may have wondered what shepherds and wise men have to do with Advent. After all, aren’t they more closely tied to Christmas and Epiphany? Indeed they are. But they are also all three “Blessedly Odd!”
It is hard to know exactly how many shepherds lived in and around Bethlehem. There would have been shepherds a plenty. It may be like asking, “How many fast food servers are in Berrien County?” It was a lowly profession with many practitioners.
Out of the vast number of potential people to hear the message of the angels only a few odd shepherds abiding in the field saw the awe of the angels and hastened to find Mary, and Joseph, and the babe. How blessedly odd they were!
Every nation is proud of its scholars, academics, advisers and wise men. Certainly Judea must have had more than a few learned individuals who were worthy of seeing the star announcing the birth of the king. Yet miles and miles to the east across deserts and dunes, mountains and valleys a few odd wise men packed up gold, frankincense and myrrh to kneel in joy before the new born King, the infant Savior. How blessedly odd they were!
While shoppers seek sales and grandma avoids reindeer; while atheists moan about nativities and cashiers mouth, “Happy Holidays;” while Scrooges declare “humbug” and commentators complain about countless commercials; there will be a few who are blessedly odd! These odd few will join a long train of faithful who will step out of the crowd.
They will light Advent wreaths and have family devotions. They will read scriptures and teach children. They will bundle up on Wednesday nights and join other blessedly odd faithful believers in worship at midweek Advent services. They will delight in Emmanuel, who comes to ransom captive Israel. They will worship the Rod of Jesse and the Dayspring, from on high.
To these few blessedly odd, The Key of David will open wide their heavenly home. The Wisdom from on high will grant them the wisdom of the Wise Men and with shepherds they will rejoice to see the promise of Emmanuel fulfilled.
Your Advent and Christmas season will in many ways be typical. It will reflect the busyness of your neighbors and the bustle of the season. Yet I also pray that your Advent will be “blessedly odd.” I pray that you will be able to step away from the crowds and for the briefest of moments see what no one around you sees and hear what Isaiah long ago declared:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Pastor Quardokus
