That night many in Bethlehem were busy.

And there were shepherds in that very region bivouacking in the fields under the open sky, and guarding their flock during the appointed night watches.
Luke 2:8 (Wuest)
 
Shepherds were bivouacking, or living in temporary, primitive places while watching sheep. Then, when the unexpected began, they were doing their business, checking the sheep and enjoying the night sky.
 
This moment in history starred the angelic host and a group of no-name shepherds who got front-row seats to history's most grand event. These shepherds were in tune with reality and responded by leaving one responsibility to understand a more important one. The comfort of the bivouac and the importance of watching the sheep became secondary to seeing the Savior.
 
That night many in Bethlehem were busy with family, friends, and obligations, and missed this historic moment. Their focus was making their bivouac comfortable, and they were oblivious to the angelic hosts' proclamation. Their focus kept their lives out of focus.
 
Let's ensure that our plans this Christmas do not keep us from seeing the Savior.




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