The Shepherds

This week of Advent’s theme is joy. When thinking about the day to day life of a shepherd, I don’t think you’d automatically think joy. Do you imagine they are out watching the sheep in the night, fighting off predators, making sure the flock stays together, and fighting off sleep and joy is the word they would use to describe how they’re feeling?

Other words come to mind first.

Vigilant
Watchful
Protective
Tired
Hard Working

Do any of those words describe you and how you are feeling right now? Do you have a hard time thinking about joy? Especially right now during the Christmas season are you struggling to find joy? Maybe you can’t be with family. Family members have recently died. Getting together with family brings up more conflict and disagreements that good time. Or, you have a job that has you working through Christmas.

The shepherds were working that first Christmas night. They were doing the same job they did night after night. Were they happy? Maybe. Were they tired and discouraged? Maybe. But what they were about to experience would show the true reason for joy no matter our circumstances.

The angels were about to appear to those shepherds and say “I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10. The shepherds were about to discover the true reason for joy. It was brought to ALL the people. That means you and me as well. No matter their circumstances there is a reason for great JOY.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in Swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12

Joy does not come from our circumstances. True joy comes from Jesus. There is nothing to keep us from experiencing joy this Christmas. No matter your circumstances, no matter who you’re with or not with, keep your eyes on Jesus. Keep Him the focus of your Christmas celebration and He will bring you joy regardless of your circumstances.

Brown Christmas card with patterned paper showing a desert scene under a night sky filled with stars. A shepherd die cut and three sheep are standing in the desert. The sentiment says, "The Lord is my Shepherd."

Card Details

This Christmas card shows a shepherd keeping watch over his flock by night. The O Holy Night Designer Series Paper paints such a perfect visual image of the landscape.

The shepherd and all his sheep are diecut from black cardstock using the Night Divine dies.

Click here to see and purchase products used to create this card.

Also Used:
O Holy Night Designer Series Paper (retired)