Here they were, the most humble people on earth, the first people the angel told this important news, the first to worship the newborn Christ. They must have felt great happiness because they knew that Jesus would be their shepherd, leading them through dangers, giving them hope, loving them, and making them feel safe. As I approached Bethlehem I saw shepherds from all parts of the countryside running to the stable. When I arrived I was filled with excitement and anticipation, joy and fear. This is how we interpret the faces of the shepherds.
Some lines are feelings the shepherds had.
Some tell why they felt that way. Immanuel Presbyterian Church is Milwaukee's oldest congregation, celebrating its 160th anniversary in 1997. For the past six years the church has produced an Advent booklet with members' daily meditations on a chosen theme. Pastor Deborah Block shepherds and edits the project. Art by Ron Newton.