Family Lessons We Learn from the Shepherds

The story of the shepherds at Christmas is told in the Bible in the book of Luke, chapter 2. The shepherds were out in the fields tending to their flocks at night when an angel appeared to them and announced that Jesus, the savior of the world, had been born in the nearby town of Bethlehem.

Your family can benefit from talking about the lessons learned from the shepherds at Christmas:

1. Be Humble and Ready. The shepherds were humble and willing to listen to God’s instructions. They were not the most respected members of society, but they were willing to follow God’s call and go see the newborn Jesus. Your family can learn to be humble and listen to God’s guidance, even if it goes against societal expectations.
2. Share the True Meaning. The shepherds were quick to share the good news of Jesus’ birth with others. They didn’t keep the news to themselves, but instead went out and told everyone they could about Jesus. Your family can learn to share the good news of Jesus with others and be ambassadors for Christ.
3. Worship. The shepherds were willing to worship and honor Jesus. When they saw the baby Jesus, they fell down and worshipped him. Your family can learn to have a heart of worship and honor Jesus in all that you do.
4. Be Obedient. The shepherds were obedient to God’s call and followed through on what he asked them to do. Your family can learn to be obedient to God and follow through on the things he asks you to do.
5. Value all. The shepherds were a reminder that Jesus came for all people, not just the wealthy or powerful. Your family can learn to value and show love to all people, regardless of their social status or circumstances.
6. Be Extra-Ordinary. The shepherds’ encounter with Jesus likely had a profound impact on their lives. They went from being ordinary shepherds to becoming witnesses to the greatest event in human history. Your family can learn to be open to the ways that God can work in and through your lives in unexpected ways.
7. Be Flexible. The shepherds’ encounter with Jesus teaches us that God’s plans are often different from what we might expect. They weren’t expecting to be visited by an angel and told about the birth of the savior, but that’s exactly what happened. Your family can learn to be open to the ways that God may lead and guide you, even if it’s not what you were expecting.

Overall, the story of the shepherds at Christmas time can serve as a reminder of the humble beginnings of Jesus and the importance of being willing to listen to God, share the good news of Jesus with others, worship and honor him, be obedient to his call, value and love all people, and be open to the ways that he may work in and through your lives.

Take the story of the shepherds and make it a practical lesson for everyone in your home.