In the days that followed, the shepherds became heralds of the extraordinary night. They traversed villages and townships, sharing the story of the infant King born in a humble stable. Their joy became infectious, spreading like wildfire among those who heard the tale.
Eli, the young shepherd, became a passionate speaker, recounting the details with contagious enthusiasm. Jethro, the transformed skeptic, spoke with a newfound conviction that resonated with those who doubted. Micah, the seasoned shepherd, became a sage, weaving the ancient prophecies into the narrative of the Messiah’s birth.
Word of the shepherds’ encounter spread far and wide. Some listened with skepticism, while others, touched by the sincerity of their testimonies, felt a glimmer of hope in the promise of a Savior.
The shepherds, despite their humble status, became vessels of divine joy, bearers of a message that transcended the boundaries of social standing and expectation. The hills, once silent witnesses to their nightly watch, now echoed with the proclamation of a Savior who had entered the world.
As the years passed, the shepherds continued to carry the story in their hearts. The joy of that sacred night became a wellspring, sustaining them through life’s challenges and uncertainties. And as they watched over their flocks under the same starlit sky, the memory of that extraordinary night remained etched in their souls—a testament to the transformative power of encountering the incarnate God in the midst of the ordinary. And so, the story of the shepherds became a timeless narrative, a beacon of joy that illuminated the path for generations to come. The joy they carried from the stable in Bethlehem became a legacy—an invitation for all to embrace the extraordinary in the simplicity of a stable, to find hope in the unexpected, and to rejoice in the timeless truth that, indeed, the Savior had come.
Leaving the stable, the shepherds felt an overwhelming sense of joy—a joy that bubbled up from the depths of their beings. As they walked back to their sheep, the hills echoed with their laughter, their hearts aglow with the realization that the long-awaited Messiah had come.
Eli, still buzzing with youthful enthusiasm, couldn’t stop talking about what they had witnessed. “The angels, the baby, everything! This changes everything!”
Jethro, the cynic transformed, admitted, “I never thought I’d see the day. Maybe there’s more to life than just watching sheep.”
Micah, the seasoned shepherd, smiled knowingly. “Tonight, my friends, is a night of unexpected joy. The promised One has come, and our lives will never be the same.”
The journey back to their flocks became a pilgrimage of joy, each step echoing the newfound reality that had unfolded in the stable. The shepherds, once burdened by the monotony of their nightly watch, now danced with unrestrained delight under the canvas of a starlit sky.
As they approached the familiar slopes where their sheep grazed, Eli paused and looked at the heavens. “It’s like the whole sky is celebrating with us.”
Jethro, gazing at the stars, mused, “Maybe there’s more to these stars than we ever imagined. The angels spoke of good news for all people—maybe even for shepherds like us.”
Micah, his eyes reflecting the wisdom of years, added, “Indeed, my friends, the heavens declare the glory of God, and tonight, we have been part of that declaration.”
The shepherds, arriving at their grazing flocks, found the night alive with a quiet symphony of sheep bleats and rustling leaves. Their return, marked by laughter and animated conversation, stirred curiosity among their fellow shepherds.
Nathan, a fellow shepherd, called out, “What has happened? Why do you return with such joy?”
Eli, unable to contain his excitement, proclaimed, “We have seen the Messiah! The angels told us, and we went to Bethlehem. There, in a humble stable, we found a baby—the Savior, the promised One!”
Nathan, eyes widening, responded, “The Messiah? Are you sure?”
Jethro, once the skeptic, affirmed, “I doubted too, but the angels’ words were true. He is born, and we were there to witness it.”
Micah, the elder shepherd, shared, “It was a night of wonders. The heavens opened, and we beheld the glory of God. The prophecies of old have found their fulfillment.”
The gathered shepherds listened in awe as the trio recounted the celestial announcement, the journey to Bethlehem, and the sacred moment in the stable. The story unfolded like a divine tapestry, weaving together the ordinary and the extraordinary.
As dawn approached, Eli looked at the eastern horizon. “A new day is dawning, not just for us but for the world. The Messiah brings a light that no darkness can overcome.”
Jethro, still absorbing the magnitude of the events, said, “I never thought our lives could be part of something so grand.”
Micah, with a paternal smile, spoke words that resonated with the hearts of all present. “Go and tell others what you’ve seen and heard. This is not just our story; it’s a story for all humanity.”
The shepherds, infused with joy and purpose, dispersed to their respective flocks. Each step carried the weight of the divine encounter, and the hills reverberated with their shared proclamation.
The scene was beyond their understanding, yet it resonated with a truth that penetrated their souls. Eli, kneeling beside the manger, whispered, “This is the Messiah—the One we’ve been waiting for.”
Jethro, humbled by the sacredness of the moment, found no words. Micah, tears in his eyes, declared, “He has come. Our Savior is born.”
In the quiet of the stable, a divine stillness enveloped the shepherds. The infant King, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lay in serene innocence. The soft glow of the celestial light lingered, casting an ethereal radiance that seemed to dance around the holy trio—Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Christ.
Eli, compelled by a mixture of awe and joy, reached out to touch the tiny hands of the infant. His fingers, calloused from tending sheep, gently brushed against the delicate skin. A profound warmth surged through him, a connection between the ordinary and the divine that transcended earthly understanding.
Jethro, overcome by the weight of the moment, found himself drawn closer to the manger. The skepticism that had once veiled his heart now gave way to a profound reverence. His gaze met Mary’s, and in that exchange, an unspoken understanding passed between them—the realization that the arrival of this child was a cosmic event, touching the hearts of the lowly and the lofty alike.
Micah, his hands trembling with emotion, recited a prayer of gratitude. “Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.”
As if in response to Micah’s prayer, the stable seemed to resonate with an unseen chorus, a celestial hymn that echoed through the ages. The shepherds, Mary, and Joseph stood in the midst of this divine symphony, witnessing the convergence of heaven and earth in the miracle of the incarnation.
The shepherds, though unschooled and simple, felt a profound understanding settle upon them. They were not just witnesses to a historical moment; they were participants in a cosmic narrative—the unveiling of eternity in the ordinary confines of a stable.
Mary, the young mother, beheld the shepherds with a tenderness that only a mother could carry. She saw in their eyes the reflection of her own astonishment, the acknowledgment that this child lying in a manger was both human and divine.
Joseph, the guardian of the holy family, stood with a protective stance. His eyes, seasoned by life’s challenges, now reflected the wonder of a man who had become part of a miraculous unfolding.
Eli, rising from his knees, looked at Mary and Joseph with gratitude. “We were guided here by angels—messengers who proclaimed the birth of your son. We come not just as shepherds but as witnesses to a divine revelation.”
Jethro, finding his voice, added, “The heavens declared this night as extraordinary. We, who watch over sheep, have been chosen to watch over the Lamb of God.”
Mary, her heart full, extended her hands in a gesture of welcome. “You are welcome here. As humble as this stable is, it has become a sanctuary for the extraordinary.”
Micah, the weight of years lifted, approached Mary and Joseph with a gleam in his eyes. “The ancient promises have found their fulfillment in this child. He is the King of Kings, the fulfillment of prophecies uttered by generations past.”
The shepherds, having witnessed the unveiling of eternity, surrounded the Holy Family in a circle of shared wonder. The stable, though unadorned and simple, became a sacred space where the divine intersected with the human.
As they stood in the glow of the celestial light, a profound silence enveloped them—a silence that echoed the mystery of the incarnation. In that hallowed moment, time seemed to stand still, and the shepherds, Mary, and Joseph found themselves in the timeless embrace of a divine love that transcended earthly boundaries.
Eli, breaking the silence, spoke words that echoed the sentiments of all present. “We have seen the face of God in this child. May our hearts forever carry the imprint of this sacred night.”
Jethro, his cynicism transformed into reverence, nodded in agreement. “This is no ordinary child. He carries the weight of eternity in his tiny frame.”
Micah, his voice a blend of prophecy and gratitude, spoke, “As we return to our fields, let our lives be a testimony to the extraordinary events of this night. The Messiah has come, and we have been chosen as heralds of His arrival.”
With a final gaze at the infant King, the shepherds, having been part of a divine revelation, left the stable with hearts ablaze with newfound purpose. The celestial light, now embedded in their souls, guided their steps as they made their way back to the hills where their flocks awaited. As the shepherds disappeared into the night, the celestial glow lingered in the stable, a silent witness to the eternal significance of the moment. Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Christ, wrapped in swaddling cloths, embodied the hope of humanity—the promise of redemption that had taken its first breath in the quiet town of Bethlehem.
As the celestial glow lingered on the hills, the shepherds, hearts ablaze with newfound hope, wasted no time. They left the familiar grounds where their sheep grazed, making their way toward Bethlehem—a town whose significance was about to be eternally altered.
Eli, the youngest of the shepherds, practically skipped down the hillsides, his excitement contagious. “This is incredible! A Savior, born here in Bethlehem. Let’s go see!”
Jethro, the once-cynical shepherd, hesitated at first, eyeing Eli’s enthusiasm with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. He grumbled, “Might as well see what this is all about. Can’t hurt.”
Micah, the seasoned shepherd, led the way. His eyes sparkled with a gleam that betrayed the weight of anticipation lifted from his shoulders. “I’ve waited a lifetime for this. Tonight, our world changes.” He said, a tear trickling down his weathered face.
The journey to Bethlehem was not just a physical trek—it was a pilgrimage of the soul. The shepherds moved with purpose; their steps quickened by the gravity of the celestial proclamation. As they traversed the winding paths, Micah couldn’t help but share more from the ancient scrolls.
“You see, my friends,” Micah began, his voice resonating with the echoes of prophetic words, “Micah, the prophet, spoke of Bethlehem as the birthplace of a ruler whose origins are from of old, from ancient days. This is not just a random event. It’s the fulfillment of a promise, a promise as old as time itself.”
Eli, listening intently, asked, “Do you think the angels appeared to others, or are we the only ones chosen to witness this?”
Micah pondered the question, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. “I believe there are others, perhaps not shepherds like us, but hearts awakened to the divine rhythm. This revelation, my young friend, is for all who seek it.”
Jethro, still grappling with the reality of the celestial vision, muttered, “I never thought I’d see the day when angels would choose us for a grand announcement. If this is true, then everything we thought we knew is turned upside down.”
Micah nodded. “Indeed, Jethro. Sometimes the greatest revelations come to those society deems the least significant. It’s a reminder that the Divine often chooses the unexpected to bring forth the extraordinary.”
As they approached Bethlehem, the town hummed with the usual activity, oblivious to the cosmic drama unfolding on its outskirts. The shepherds, guided by the lingering glow of the celestial light, navigated the narrow streets. The rhythmic echo of their footsteps harmonized with the silent prayer in their hearts.
Eli, peering into the faces of those they passed, couldn’t help but wonder, “How will we find the baby? Bethlehem is not a small village. Where do we even begin?”
Micah, his gaze fixed on the distant flicker of the celestial light, reassured them. “The angels said we would find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. Let’s trust in the guidance we’ve been given.”
Jethro, though still wrestling with doubt, found himself drawn to the quest. “I never thought I’d say this, but I hope we find this baby. If what the angels said is true, then maybe there’s more to life than just watching sheep.”
The shepherds soon found themselves on the outskirts of Bethlehem, following the subtle trail of divine radiance. As they approached a humble stable, the glow intensified, as if to affirm that their journey had reached its destination.
Eli, with a mix of anticipation and reverence, whispered, “This is it. The stable. The angels said we’d find Him here.”
Jethro, standing at the entrance, observed the scene with a newfound contemplation. “A baby in a stable. Not exactly what I expected for the arrival of a King.”
Micah, his eyes fixed on the manger, reminded them, “The setting may be humble, but it’s the fulfillment of a promise made through the ages. Let us enter with hearts prepared for the extraordinary.”
Inside the stable, the shepherds beheld a sight that transcended the limits of their understanding. The dim light of a simple lamp revealed a newborn wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. The child, innocent and serene, seemed to carry the weight of the ages in his tiny form.
Eli, breathless, whispered, “He’s here. The Savior—the One we’ve been waiting for.”
Jethro, his cynicism replaced by a sense of awe, could only utter, “I never thought I’d witness something like this. It’s… it’s beyond words.”
Micah, tears streaming down his weathered cheeks, declared, “The promises of old have come to pass. The Messiah, the King of Kings, lies before us. Our journey was not in vain.”
As the shepherds knelt in the presence of the infant King, they realized that their journey mirrored a universal quest—a search for meaning, hope, and the divine. In the simplicity of that stable, the profound truth echoed through the ages: that the extraordinary often emerges in the midst of the ordinary, and the greatest revelations are found by those who dare to seek.
In that sacred moment, Mary and Joseph, the earthly guardians of the divine child, observed the shepherds with a quiet understanding. Mary, cradling her newborn son, looked into the eyes of these unexpected visitors, recognizing the divine orchestration at play. Joseph, his hands weathered from his trade, stood in silent awe, comprehending that their humble abode had become the sanctuary for the convergence of the earthly and the celestial.
The shepherds, guided by an unseen hand, approached with a mixture of reverence and wonder. Their presence, a living testimony to the cosmic proclamation they had received, carried an air of divine confirmation. Mary, sensing the significance of the moment, offered a gentle smile, extending a silent welcome to these guardians of the hills who now knelt in adoration before her child.
Joseph, a witness to the unfolding mystery, felt a reassurance in the unexpected confirmation brought by the shepherds. Their arrival affirmed the celestial pronouncement and underscored the divine narrative woven into the fabric of their lives.
As the shepherds bowed before the newborn King, Mary and Joseph, in the simplicity of that stable, witnessed the harmonious union of the ordinary and the extraordinary. The sacred space, now shared by both the guardians of sheep and the guardians of the Christ-child, became a sanctuary where the earthly and the divine converged, and the journey of the shepherds found its fulfillment in the presence of the promised Messiah. The celestial light, having fulfilled its purpose, faded into the quiet shadows of the stable, leaving the shepherds with a radiant imprint on their souls. The journey, from doubt to discovery, was a testament to the transformative power of seeking, and in that sacred space, the shepherds found not just a baby in a manger but the fulfillment of a promise that resonates through time immemorial.
As the night wore on, a hush fell over the hills surrounding Bethlehem. The sheep, seemingly aware of an impending revelation, grazed quietly, and the stars above shimmered with a secret to be unveiled. Eli, Jethro, and Micah, still in the midst of their watch, were about to become witnesses to an event that would redefine the very fabric of their existence.
A sudden shift in the atmosphere electrified the air. The sky, once a canvas of muted darkness, ignited with an otherworldly radiance. A celestial light, more brilliant than a thousand stars, spilled over the hills, casting a luminous glow on the astonished faces of the shepherds.
Eli, his eyes wide with wonder, dropped the staff he held, the clatter lost in the symphony of heavenly harmonies that accompanied the ethereal light. Jethro, the cynic, squinted against the brilliance, unable to find words to match the splendor unfolding before him. Micah, the seasoned shepherd, felt a resonance deep within his soul—an ancient promise awakening.
Suddenly, within the celestial radiance, an angelic being emerged. The shepherds, overcome with awe, fell to their knees as the heavenly messenger proclaimed, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Micah, the weight of years lifting from his shoulders, recognized the fulfillment of promises spoken by prophets long ago. With a voice echoing the cadence of the ancient scrolls, he quoted, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2).
The celestial light intensified; its brilliance refracted in tears streaming down Micah’s weathered face. Eli and Jethro, though unable to articulate the depths of their emotions, felt the weight of a divine revelation settling upon them.
The angel continued, “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
In that moment, the heavens seemed to open wider, revealing a glimpse of the divine drama unfolding in the humble town below. The shepherds, once on the fringes of society, now stood at the threshold of a cosmic event—the birth of a Savior, the long-awaited Messiah.
Micah, his voice trembling with a mix of awe and reverence, whispered, “The promise of old has come to pass. The Messiah, born in Bethlehem—the city of David.”
Eli, catching his breath, stammered, “But… but how do we find Him? In a city as vast as Bethlehem, how do we find a baby in a manger?”
Before the shepherds could formulate a plan, the celestial radiance transformed into a multitude of angels, their presence a chorus of ethereal melodies. The night itself seemed to join in the symphony, as if all creation harmonized with the joyous announcement. The angels declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
As the last strains of celestial music faded, the hills returned to a serene stillness. The shepherds, still on their knees, exchanged glances—bewilderment mingled with an uncontainable joy.
Jethro, the cynic transformed into a witness of the divine, uttered, “We… we have to go to Bethlehem. We have to see this thing that has happened.”
Micah, rising from his knees with a newfound vigor, nodded. “Yes, my friends. The city of David awaits, and we are witnesses to the fulfillment of promises generations have longed to see. Let us go and find the Savior, the Christ, the Lord.” With hearts ablaze with newfound purpose, the shepherds, once mere guardians of sheep, now became seekers of the divine mystery unfolding in Bethlehem’s humble streets. Guided by the lingering glow of the celestial light, they embarked on a journey that would forever link their lives to the profound events of that starlit night.
In the quiet hills surrounding Bethlehem, the rustling of sheep and the gentle hum of the night enveloped the three shepherds in an almost rhythmic tranquility. Young Eli, a sprightly lad of late teens, moved among the flock with a natural ease, his eyes reflecting the curiosity of youth. He watched the stars above, as if seeking answers among the cosmic tapestry.
Beside Eli, the middle-aged Jethro wore the expression of a man weathered by both the elements and life’s disappointments. His gaze was fixed on the grazing sheep, and he grumbled under his breath about the monotony that seemed to define their existence. To him, the idea of a Messiah was but a distant echo of hope, drowned out by the harsh realities of their everyday lives.
Farther away, sitting on a rock worn smooth by years of contemplation, was Micah—the seasoned shepherd in his 60s. His eyes, a mosaic of experiences, gazed into the starlit distance. Micah had weathered many seasons, both in the hills and in his soul. He had witnessed the rise and fall of self-proclaimed saviors, each promising a deliverance that never materialized.
As the evening draped the hills in shadows, Eli couldn’t suppress the excitement bubbling within him. “Micah, have you ever thought about the prophecies—the one about the Messiah? Do you really believe He’ll come?”
Micah, a quiet smile playing on his lips, turned to Eli. “Oh, I’ve thought about it more times than these hills have seen sunrises. The promise of a Savior, the Messiah, is woven into the very fabric of my being. But, Eli, it’s not just about believing; it’s about waiting, trusting that the promises will unfold in their own time.”
Jethro, overhearing the conversation, couldn’t help but interject with a cynical tone. “Messiah? Promised One? It’s just tales to keep us hopeful in these desolate hills. Nothing changes; we’re stuck here watching sheep until we wither away.”
Micah sighed, understanding the weariness that lingered in Jethro’s words. “Jethro, my friend, I’ve felt the weight of waiting too. But in the stillness of these nights, I’ve also sensed the presence of something greater. The promises may seem distant, but they’re like seeds planted in the dark soil, waiting to burst forth with life.”
Jethro scoffed; his eyes fixed on the distant horizon. “Life? In these hills? I’ll believe it when I see it. Until then, I’ll keep my eyes on the flock and my expectations low.”
Eli, undeterred by Jethro’s skepticism, leaned closer to Micah. “But Micah, what if it happens in our time? What if the Messiah is born while we’re here on this watch?”
Micah’s gaze intensified, a spark of hope flickering in his eyes. “Eli, my boy, if that day comes, it will be a night to remember. The hills might echo with the footsteps of angels, and the heavens themselves might declare the fulfillment of promises generations have longed to see.” As the shepherds settled into their night watch, a subtle anticipation lingered in the air—an anticipation that would soon give way to a celestial revelation, forever changing the course of their lives. The hills, accustomed to the quiet passage of time, held within them the secrets of a promise about to unfold.
“But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” — Mark 10:43 (NLT)
As a bi-vocational pastor for more than 4 decades, I know what it is like to lead and coach a team of people in a small church setting. If you’re fortunate you have maybe one or two paid staff. More times than not, you’re working with a team of volunteers-folks with a variety of gifts and abilities willing to give of themselves for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ. During my time I’ve learned a few lessons. Like the Farmers Insurance Company ad says, “We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two.”
In this article I wanted to share with you a few of the lessons that will help you inspire and motivate your team to be effective in sharing the Gospel, ministering to the saints, and reaching the lost. In the journey of leadership, the story of Nehemiah stands out as a timeless source of inspiration and guidance. Nehemiah, a faithful servant of God, led the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem with a volunteer team of diverse individuals. His leadership provides profound lessons that resonate with the challenges and opportunities faced by pastors of smaller churches.
Lesson 1: Vision Casting
Nehemiah’s journey began with a burden – a burden to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He cast a compelling vision that resonated with the people, inspiring them to rally around a common goal. As pastors, casting a vision for the church’s mission can unify your team, fostering a sense of purpose and dedication.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” — Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
Cast vision to your team as clearly as you can as often as you can. Help them own the vision for themselves. When you begin to hear them repeat it back to you, then it is beginning to be part of your team’s DNA.
Lesson 2: Team Building and Collaboration
Nehemiah understood the importance of collaboration. He brought together people with different skills and backgrounds, uniting them for a common purpose. In smaller churches, the value of each team member is immeasurable. Embrace diversity, both in paid and volunteer staff, recognizing and utilizing the unique strengths each person brings.
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” — Romans 12:4-5 (NIV)
Work at discovering the unique gifts of your team and find ways to bring the best out in them. When they are playing to their strengths, they will feel more accomplished and willing to put in the effort.
Lesson 3: Overcoming Challenges with Prayer
Nehemiah faced opposition and challenges, but he turned to prayer for strength and guidance. As leaders of smaller churches, prayer should be the bedrock of our decision-making and problem-solving. Regularly seeking God’s wisdom is crucial in navigating the unique dynamics of smaller congregations.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Share your concerns with one another and invite the team to pray together about the mission and purpose of your local church. Make prayer a vital part of decision making with your team. Give them time to pray through changes and new directions. What took you weeks or months to unpack will take them the same amount of time. When unveiling a major vision or change, ask the team not to act on it immediately. Instead, invite them to pray about it. Usually within a reasonable amount of time, they will all find agreement on what is next.
Lesson 4: Encouraging and Appreciating Volunteers
Nehemiah recognized and appreciated the efforts of volunteers, expressing gratitude for their hard work. In smaller churches, where volunteers play a vital role, acknowledging their contributions fosters a positive and motivated atmosphere.
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” — Psalm 90:17 (ESV)
Celebrate victories often. Generously give praise and gratitude to God and the volunteers. A servant leader takes full responsibility for things that don’t work out and shares the praise for successes with the whole team.
Lesson 5: Leading with Humility
Nehemiah’s humility is evident throughout his leadership journey. As pastors of smaller churches, leading with humility fosters a culture of openness and trust. Embrace a servant-leader mentality, mirroring the example of Jesus Christ.
“But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” — Mark 10:43 (NLT)
Be the example of servant leadership. Your team will emulate what they see put into practice by you. There is no task too menial that you aren’t willing to roll up your sleeves and do it.
Feel free to offer some of your own lessons in your comments. Let us help each other grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.
It's Time 