Level 3
Lesson 12: The Shepherds

The very same evening that Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem, some shepherds were preparing to spend the night on the hills outside the little town. They gathered the sheep into a fold enclosed by a rough stone wall, then sat down to eat their supper by the light of the wood fire.

Soon all was dark outside the circle of firelight made by the dancing flames. The shepherds drew their warm sheepskin coats close around them as they talked. Perhaps they spoke to each other of the wonderful King who the wise men of old had promised would one day rule over their land, and bring peace and happiness to all the people.

Suddenly they were startled by a bright light which seemed to be shining around them. They were seized with fear and hid their faces, but a voice said:

“Do not be afraid, for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Today in the town of Bethlehem a Savior has been born who is Christ the Lord. You shall find the Babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

As the voice finished there was a burst of heavenly music, and of angel voices saying:

The shepherds listened, hardly daring to look until the bright light gradually faded, and the voices had passed away. Once more the shepherds were in darkness, except for the light of their little fire. For a few minutes they were so amazed they could not speak.

After a while one said in a low voice: “Let us go at once to Bethlehem, and find the Baby.”

“Yes, yes,” said the others eagerly, and grasping their long staffs they hurried away down the hillside to the town.

The streets were empty and silent. No light burned in the houses at this late hour, but the shepherds soon found their way to the little inn where they knew strangers would stay. There, in a corner of the courtyard, they saw a glimmer of light. Silently they crept across the cobbled stones, and peeped in at the stable where a tiny lamp was burning in a crack in the wall.

There they saw a wonderful sight. Baby Jesus, wrapped in soft white clothes, lay smiling in the manger-cradle while Mary and Joseph bent over Him, their faces shining with joy.

The shepherds crept softly into the stable and knelt down beside the manger. Then all together Mary and Joseph and the shepherds said a joyful “Thank you” prayer to God for sending them the gift of a dear little Baby.

When the shepherds rose from their knees and left the stable, dawn was breaking in the sky. Away they hurried to the hillside, their hearts filled with gladness. One or two people were already stirring in the village, and the shepherds told them their joyful news.

“Rejoice with us,” they cried, “for the King has come. Jesus Christ is born in Bethlehem. Rejoice! Rejoice!”