p.s. D James Kennedy wrote a very interesting book called “The Real Meaning of the ZODIAC”. It’s all about how our wonderfull creator even used His Heavenly bodies to tell the story of Christ.

Believe it or not my brother-in-law is a shepherd! He works for a biochemical company; they draw sheeps’ blood to make cultures for medicine. He loves the animals and knows each one. But when he comes home, PHEW!!! They have a special closet in their home for his work jackets, coats, etc.

The presence of the shepherds in the story of Jesus’ birth is extremely important; a reminder to each of us that Christ came for the lowly; as James says in James 2:1-7:

“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?”

James also tells the poor to be “proud of his high position!”

James 1:9-11:
“The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.”

Although I am a computer programmer I can never get away from my “roots;” my father was an “Okie” who went to California during the Dust Bowl; he made sure I knew never to be proud. But I have also known some who were prejudiced against rich, successful people. The presence of the shepherds and Magi show that Christ came for all; He was a king, but came in humble circumstances to know us all.

We must always remember who Jesus is; God in the flesh who came from heaven. He left a beautiful place where He reigned in glory to be cursed and mocked on this earth; since we are His servants, when we are so treated we have no right to complain but should rejoice in our sufferings with Him.

I HAVE had to answer people who say they don’t know if they fit with Jesus; when someone says, “I’m not good enough,” I always say, “None of us are. HE makes us good enough.” Jesus Himself said He came for sinners.

And that’s the truth.

Teresa