How to Have a Shepherd's Heart This Christmas

1. Do Your Work Unto the Lord

The atmosphere of the world was mysterious, and a heavy anticipation cascaded the hearts of those who sought the One True God at the time of Jesus’s birth. A bright star beaming in the sky only added to this hope, the hope that at long last after years of hoping the Savior would at last arrive.

It was with such surroundings the shepherds continued their duty in their watching of their flocks in the night.

Luke 2:8 shares with us, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” These shepherds awaited their hearts desire while still carrying out their work unto the Lord.

They did not tarry in distraction, nor did they pace anxiously, rather they continued on with the assignment they had been given for the day to care for their flocks of sheep. Colossians 3:23 encourages us to do our work unto the Lord rather than men, just as these shepherds did.

This Christmas as we approach the season may we too continue to do our work for the Lord, not waning in the slightest. We may not receive the recognition for the charity we seek to bestow on those around us, but we should do it ever so.

For the love we share, the gifts we give, or the acts of service we commit to others should not be in hopes to be praised or have reciprocation. These shepherds did not cease care for their flock, and because they chose to stay committed to their assignment they did not miss the visit from the Angels.

We may not receive a visit from an Angel this Christmas, but we can still take a nod from the shepherds. Keep watch over the life God has chosen you to oversee.

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2. Lead Well

The Shepherds led their flocks well. They ensured their protection from harm, and they were wise in their actions.

We often live in our own heads forgetting that others look to us for leading. If you are a parent you know the little eyes that watch how you approach life, and likely they will become little mirrors of such actions. This Christmas seek intention with anyone watching, children, friends, or peers.

Live in such a way not for praise for you, but in such a God-honoring way that others are inspired to take note and follow suit. Intentionally reflecting upon devotions for Advent or Bible reflection can be a way to shepherd hearts this Christmas.

A perfect example not to follow can be found in Ezekiel 34: "Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally."

Inquire from those around you, or suggest the leading of study to prepare your heart for the way for Christmas. As you gather together for celebrations lead the event back around to Christ. A time of prayer, Gospel reading, or authentic connection in a spiritual conversation can open possibilities for this.

Remember that this season is in all ways really about Christ, and living as He did. Come alongside not just your friends, but all those who need love, and encourage them in the promise of hope.

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3. Watch and Listen

As the Shepherds waited to see if their suspicions and curiosities were true that it was indeed the season in which the Savior would be born, the listened and they watched.

As the cool night drifted on the shepherds, with wide eyes wondered as they took in the stars that night. The Christmas Star shone with great splendor, and silently they pondered within their own hearts what it all may mean. Listening with open hearts and attentive ears was imperative so that they would not miss what was about to occur.

In their expectancy, we are told Angels appeared to them, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

These shepherds had their hearts positioned to hear the message of the Lord. They were not chattering on in town, nor were they distracted with their own folly, rather their hearts were attentive and calm.

This Christmas the Lord may have His own revelations to share with us personally, but it rests upon us to be situated in such a way as to listen.

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4. Walk in Obedience

Obedience in trusting what the Angels declared was imperative to stepping into the blessing the Lord had for these shepherds. They had the choice to ignore the call of the Angels, to talk themselves away from the possibility at fear they had gone mad, but they chose to risk it and follow in obedience.

Taking that risk in following the call of the Lord granted them access to the greatest blessing they would ever be given--a glimpse of the Savior of the world the day He arrived.

Luke 2:16 tells us, “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

Not only did all the Angels promise prove true, but the testimony of these shepherds caught on like wildfire. Your obedience in what God is asking of you perhaps will lead you down a rabbit trail that becomes your own testimony, and it will encourage multitudes to come in the Lord.

Take the risk to go and see and take hold of what the Lord has for you when you do as He says to.

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5. Eyes to See

Watch just as these shepherds did for what the Lord is doing in your own life.

John Piper once said, “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” Be still before the Lord and watch what He is doing in your life, and ask Him to give your eyes to see such wonders.

The shepherds had eyes to see what was happening, and along the way the Angels came before their eyes to direct them. Inquire of the Lord to highlight and help you reflect on what He is doing today in the world and in your life. Behold the wonders great and small this Christmas.

And just as you can ask God to help you to see him more, ask him to help you to really see others around you, and what their needs are!

The shepherds in the Christmas birth story are not just a footnote, nor are they just little figures in a Nativity set. These chosen men carried within them qualities and an intentional heart to embrace what the Lord had for them, and they were blessed in doing so.

In the same way, we can take upon our hearts the challenge to live as the shepherds did within our own roles in the world. Let us not grow so far from what the true meaning of this season is, but also what it looks like to follow our great Shepherd every day of the year.

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