Monthly Update - December 2022

It was just getting dark as I walked along the brow of the hill overlooking the Pang Valley above Rushall Farm the other evening. 

The mist was settling in the valley at a defined height and the yellowing evening sun gave its final appearance for the day, though masked by clouds.  It seemed that I was very alone even though the busy homes and families scattered around were so very close.

Was that what it was like for those shepherds so long ago, looking after their sheep on the hillside outside the noise and bustle of Bethlehem?  Were they the only ones who could have seen and heard the multitude of the heavenly host of angels praising God and singing “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to those on whom His favour rests”?   Shepherds at that time each looked after about 15 sheep, although these might be combined into larger flocks. There were no fenced fields so they had to protect the sheep against attack or wandering off.  The sheep relied on their shepherds for fresh grazing and water and for their health and wellbeing, especially at lambing time.  The sheep were kept for meat, milk to be made into cheese, and wool.  So it was a 24/7 job.  You stayed with your flock. and so did your sons.  Shepherds were unlikely to have been to school and were generally considered dirty and smelly. Worse still, they were regarded as untrustworthy, and not able to give testimony in court. Yet amazingly these were the very people God chose to formally announce the birth of His son Jesus.  And because of the detail they were given by the angel they were able to go to Bethlehem and assure the frightened, nervous couple Mary and Joseph that what was happening was completely in God’s plan. 

Jesus is described as Emmanuel, God with us.  God’s plan was, and still is, that in whatever situation HE IS WITH US.  Jesus wants to come and be with us whether we are alone on a hillside or up to our eyes in being busy. He gives us the promise and assurance of his presence now and always.  Surely that’s a Christmas present worth considering?

- John Bishop