From the Anglican Breviary:
"At that time: The shepherds said to one another: Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see the thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us...Behold the beginning of the Church. Christ is born and the shepherds keep their watch. Yea, they keep their watch like as becometh those who would gather together the scattered sheep of the Gentiles which had hitherto lived like as brute beasts, and lead them into the fold of Christ, that they might need no longer to suffer the ravages of spiritual wolves in the night of the world's darkness. How wide awake are those shepherds whom the Good Shepherd stirreth up. Their flock is the people. The night is the world. for these shepherds are the Priests. And perhaps that Angel, too, is a shepherd to whom the Apocalypse is said: Be watchful and strengthen. For God hath ordained to watch over his flock not Bishops only but Angels also."
Yes, shepherds are . Shepherds are the first people the Baby Jesus saw when He opened His eyes. Sheep and goats were the first animals he beheld. Shepherds are ever faithful, ever vigilant, ever loving and ever forgiving. They fret when their sheep wander, and rejoice when they return to the fold. I'm proud to be a member of such a noble and ancient profession. Wishing you and your flock health, happiness and a prosperous 2013.
"At that time: The shepherds said to one another: Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see the thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us...Behold the beginning of the Church. Christ is born and the shepherds keep their watch. Yea, they keep their watch like as becometh those who would gather together the scattered sheep of the Gentiles which had hitherto lived like as brute beasts, and lead them into the fold of Christ, that they might need no longer to suffer the ravages of spiritual wolves in the night of the world's darkness. How wide awake are those shepherds whom the Good Shepherd stirreth up. Their flock is the people. The night is the world. for these shepherds are the Priests. And perhaps that Angel, too, is a shepherd to whom the Apocalypse is said: Be watchful and strengthen. For God hath ordained to watch over his flock not Bishops only but Angels also."
Yes, shepherds are . Shepherds are the first people the Baby Jesus saw when He opened His eyes. Sheep and goats were the first animals he beheld. Shepherds are ever faithful, ever vigilant, ever loving and ever forgiving. They fret when their sheep wander, and rejoice when they return to the fold. I'm proud to be a member of such a noble and ancient profession. Wishing you and your flock health, happiness and a prosperous 2013.
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