Monologue from Shepherd's Viewpoint
I have been a shepherd since I was a young boy. During the day, the sheep wander up an down the grasslands of Judea. We are always moving closer to Jerusalem where the sheep are sold.
One night, it was my turn to watch the sheep during the night. The other shepherds were asleep. It was pretty cold that night so the sheep were all bunched together trying to keep warm.
All of a sudden the night sky lit up just like day. his woke up all the other shepherds. Our eyes were round with fear -- our hearts beating really fast. We had no idea what was happening. The light as so bright we had to put our arms over our eyes. The sheep were so scared they started running in tight circles, which they do when they are afraid of something.
The angel said, "do not fear."
Yeah, right!
The angel continued talking, "Listen. I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem. How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger!"
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a lot more and they were all praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven," they sang, "and peace on earth for all those pleasing him."
We all started talking at once: "Come on! Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
We asked a few to stay and guard the sheep and the rest of us starting running across the dark, grassy valley and up the sides of the hills.
When we finally arrived in Bethlehem, we walked quietly down the path to the stable.
Joseph told us we could go on in.
We went to the manger and knelt beside it. I couldn't take my eyes off baby Jesus. I felt so happy inside. Finally I leaned over, took his little hand in mine and said, "Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth.