The Shepherds

"On the eve of Christ’s birth in the stable at Bethlehem, shepherds watched over their flocks in fields not far distant. These were not ordinary shepherds, for it had been prophesied among the Nephites that angels would declare the glad tidings of the Messiah’s birth to “just and holy men” (Alma 13:26).

In the Americas, Samuel the Lamanite prophesied of the signs of the Savior’s coming. (See Hel. 14:3–6.) And Alma wrote that Christ’s birth would be heralded by angels to those who were “just and holy” (Alma 13:26). In the nation of Christ’s birth, the testimony of his coming went forth in ever-widening circles—especially among those who were keeping the commandments and ordinances of the Lord and were filled with the Holy Ghost."

Joseph Fielding McConkie

Who are the Shepherds? There names are not given, yet they are one of the 12 witnesses to Christ's birth. They were 'Holy men', who kept the commandments of God. They watched over their flocks dutifully. They were not distracted by worldly things. In the still of the night the angel Gabriel appeared to them and told them of the miraculous birth of the Christ child. They were ready.

Luke: 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

They ran to the Savior. Then they went to tell everyone else. They had found Him and felt a probably overwhelming desire to share this wondrous news with others. They were missionaries who, when they had become converted themselves, couldn't bare to keep the news hidden.

I am grateful that we have the story of the shepherds. I am grateful to know that the Lord calls those who are in a humble station in this life to be witnesses of Him.

I ask you to think of the shepherds this Christmas and why they were chosen and how we can become more like them, so that we too may be witnesses of Christ.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!