We are the Shepherds

So here is the stable and there is the manger
The new Saviour sleeps on His first earthly night
The wise men brought riches but we brought a candle
It’s all that we have but it gives a good light

We are the shepherds we walked cross the mountains
We left our flocks when the new star appeared
Oh, the beautiful singin’ of heavenly choir
We had to come see Him, we had to come here

We beg You forgive us for such a small offering
But our sheep are out there with wolves in the night
We bring You this candle it’s all we have with us
But with it the new Saviour has His first light
We are the shepherds

We thank Thee kind Joseph for bidding us enter
Please take our gift for the new babe to thine
‘Tis only one candle but it is our symbol
Of how we believe that His great life will shine
We are the shepherds

I’m still basking in the glow of an eye-opening 12 holy nights and Epiphany. We are the Shepherds by Johnny Cash was a tune that ran through my mind all throughout the twelve holy nights. It still rings through daily. What a gift this song has been!

These words remind me that we don’t need riches or abundance in what we bring to the world. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, with all the bells and whistles of connecting through technology or social media or how ever people share their gifts now. It can be simple, like that one humble candle that the shepherds gave as their gift. It might have been simple, but it brought good light.

Those shepherds were called to action, they HAD to go, leaving their flock behind to see this new child, even though, in their eyes, they only had a small offering for such a glorious event. We all have a calling within us, a gift that we are meant to share and sometimes we need to leave behind something in order to share our gift to the fullest. Especially when we think what we have to share is insignificant or pales in comparison to the gifts of others. These small gifts we carry are a blessing all the same.

Even if I have just one small flame to share, it gives heat and light and love to the world, and hopefully I can help others light their candles from my own flame. Like those shepherds who left their flock because they HAD to go see, I also need to fulfill this impulse within me. The path might not always be clear, but my hope is that placing one food in front of the other, without worry that I am not enough, will bring clarity in the long run.

Humble is my word for this year. It came from the ringing of this song, and is a reminder that even the smallest offering to the world can have an impact. And with every word of the year, there needs to be actionable steps that help support it. This year, my action is simple.

One foot in front of the other. 

If you’d like to hear my favourite rendition of We Are the Shepherds, please follow this link to Annie Hatke’s youtube channel. Annie is a homeschooling mom, and her and her daughter’s harmonies just lift my heart. Watch and listen here!

Blessings to you as you find the light you have to share.

Warmly,
Marina