Christmas With the ChosenSample

You know you’re going to sing “O Come, All Ye Faithful” at the Christmas Eve service, because it’s one of the greats. But have you ever stopped to think about that old song?

To state the obvious, there’s an invitation: “Come.”

But look at who’s being invited: the “Faithful.”

It would take an awfully brave soul to be the first to step forward in the wake of that invite. And remember: whoever does has to be all “joyful and triumphant.”

It's a tall order that makes you feel small.

As small as a shepherd.

Scholars have long debated just where exactly shepherds landed on the social ladder in the New Testament era, but they all agree the position was low.

Shepherds were poor, unkempt, and left physically and spiritually unclean by their work. Few would have been called “faithful,” and that’s exactly why — in the clip you just watched — the religious leader spits, “People like you are keeping the Messiah away with your stains.”

Of course, it’s that derisive word of judgment that makes all that unfolds so enjoyable — so encouraging.

“People like you are keeping the Messiah away with your stains.”

Oh?

Then why were the shepherds the first to be told when the Messiah arrived?

It’s a clear and present first word from the Messiah to all who are deemed dirty and thus dismissed: “You didn’t keep me away. You drew me closer with your deep and dire need. And now I’m here. Because of you. For you. By me and through me you will be made faithful.”

Can we introduce you to a song you probably won’t sing at your Christmas Eve service, but maybe should?

“Come, All Ye Shepherds.”

Hardly anyone knows the old hymn anymore, and if it’s ever sung, it’s usually as a chorale piece. (To be fair, it’s got a lot of ye’s and yon’s in it.)

Here’s Verse 1: “Come, all ye shepherds, ye children of earth. Come ye, bring greetings to yon heavenly birth. For Christ the Lord to all men is given, to be our Savior sent down from heaven. Fear ye him not!”

“To all men is given.”

Even shepherds.

You’ve already watched one clip, but we’re going to have you watch another. And you tell us: did it mean everything and more to the shepherds when they were invited to “Come”? Because they sure look all “joyful and triumphant” to us.