Monday, December 28, 2009
Disclaimer:
This next writing is a work of fiction. I am not claiming that this is what happened, or am I even saying this could of happened. I have done little to no research on this story. The Biblical account given in the story is taken from The Gospel of Luke, King James Version.
The Shepherd
I am a shepherd, my father was a shepherd, my grandfather was a shepherd, and so on, as far back as I know we have always been shepherds. My father died when I was quite young, he fell from some rocks trying to gather in the flock during a bad storm. Not the most rewarding life. But a good life and an honest life. Which leads me to my story,
Mother and I went to town, something we do almost every month. It was always exciting and a little frightening, there are so many people, and lots of noise. Mother knows some of the people. And by these people we are treated very well. But many other people are rude and treat us as if there is something wrong with us. Mother says it is because we are shepherds, and many people think they are better than us. She also says not to worry about it because there is nothing wrong with being a shepherd, do a good job , be honest in your trading and people will respect you.
On this particular trip, as we walked to town, Mother asked me if I thought I was ready to take over the flock from Grandfather. She of course new that I felt I was. For Grandfather was getting very old. I had spent a lot of time with Grandfather and watched and learned all about shepherding from him. I loved my grandfather and thought I new all about him.
When Mother and I entered the town and made our way to the market a friend of ours told mother that a man named Luke, a holy man, had asked about Grandfather and wanted to speak to him, and had left word that when we came to town we should look for him in the temple district. Mother looked worried but said she thought that someday this would happen.
After concluding our business in the market we went to the temple area to look for this holy man, Luke. I wondered what this was all about, for Grandfather never went to town, and while he was a very good man, and we kept all the holy days of the calender, what could a holy man want with Grandfather? After a little searching we found the place where this man, Luke was. He and Mother had a hushed conversation and she agreed that he could accompany us home. On the way home I tried to question the man to find out what he wanted with Grandfather. But all my questions were answered with his own questions about the flock, and how old I was, and my knowledge of Gods Law. Even though I felt he was avoiding my questions I liked this man.
When we got home Mother told Grandfather all that had happened on our trip and of course that he had company. Grandfather seemed happy, almost as if he had expected this man Luke to come. He said he would tell Luke all he wanted to know after he had supped with us. The conversation at supper was about the man named Jesus, I had heard much about him, for his fame reached to even the fields of us shepherds. when ever someone had news of him Grandfather always listened and smiled.
When supper was over and I was sent to bed. I lay for a long time listening to Grandfather tell Luke a story I had never heard Grandfather tell before. He told of a night when Grandfather was a younger man, and my own father was around my age. He told of how he had been on the night watch of the flocks, and was conversing with some of the other shepherds when suddenly the sky was light and an angel appeared and they were very afraid. And the angel spoke to them and said Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And then suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Mother and I went to town, something we do almost every month. It was always exciting and a little frightening, there are so many people, and lots of noise. Mother knows some of the people. And by these people we are treated very well. But many other people are rude and treat us as if there is something wrong with us. Mother says it is because we are shepherds, and many people think they are better than us. She also says not to worry about it because there is nothing wrong with being a shepherd, do a good job , be honest in your trading and people will respect you.
On this particular trip, as we walked to town, Mother asked me if I thought I was ready to take over the flock from Grandfather. She of course new that I felt I was. For Grandfather was getting very old. I had spent a lot of time with Grandfather and watched and learned all about shepherding from him. I loved my grandfather and thought I new all about him.
When Mother and I entered the town and made our way to the market a friend of ours told mother that a man named Luke, a holy man, had asked about Grandfather and wanted to speak to him, and had left word that when we came to town we should look for him in the temple district. Mother looked worried but said she thought that someday this would happen.
After concluding our business in the market we went to the temple area to look for this holy man, Luke. I wondered what this was all about, for Grandfather never went to town, and while he was a very good man, and we kept all the holy days of the calender, what could a holy man want with Grandfather? After a little searching we found the place where this man, Luke was. He and Mother had a hushed conversation and she agreed that he could accompany us home. On the way home I tried to question the man to find out what he wanted with Grandfather. But all my questions were answered with his own questions about the flock, and how old I was, and my knowledge of Gods Law. Even though I felt he was avoiding my questions I liked this man.
When we got home Mother told Grandfather all that had happened on our trip and of course that he had company. Grandfather seemed happy, almost as if he had expected this man Luke to come. He said he would tell Luke all he wanted to know after he had supped with us. The conversation at supper was about the man named Jesus, I had heard much about him, for his fame reached to even the fields of us shepherds. when ever someone had news of him Grandfather always listened and smiled.
When supper was over and I was sent to bed. I lay for a long time listening to Grandfather tell Luke a story I had never heard Grandfather tell before. He told of a night when Grandfather was a younger man, and my own father was around my age. He told of how he had been on the night watch of the flocks, and was conversing with some of the other shepherds when suddenly the sky was light and an angel appeared and they were very afraid. And the angel spoke to them and said Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And then suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Then Grandfather told of how after the departure of the angel, he and the other shepherds went into Bethlehem.They found all as the angel had said. And as they went away from this scene they told all that they met of what had transpired and people were amazed.
Grandfather finished his story and Luke thanked him. Then it was Luke's turn, Luke told Grandfather much about the life of Jesus. I continued to listen as there conversation went on into the night but I eventually fell asleep and did not hear all that was said.
The next day Luke stayed for awhile and came to the fields to see the sheep. I told him I had heard much of his conversation with Grandfather, he said that it was a good thing and that I should remember the things I had heard. And that I should tell of these things to all who will listen.
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