keeping watch

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch… (luke 2.8)

Keeping watch. It is an active statement full of stillness. It’s a verb describing inactivity and stillness. As if to say, “I am doing nothing.” To do nothing is still doing something, but it is not. It is stillness.

The announcement of the arrival of a king is usually surrounded with much fanfare and celebration. It is an event full of publicity and attention. I remember a few years ago when the Pope was chosen. The streets were crowded with thousands and thousands of people. People were packed into bars and restaurants intently watching the television. All were waiting. Then the smoke ascended out of the chimney of the Vatican, which meant that a new pope had been affirmed and chosen. The same goes with elections of our presidents. It’s a process that takes years and sucks up the attention of the media. You can’t get away from it. Everyone is constantly talking about it; debating and discussing it. Usually, the announcement of a king, pope, or president is an event that the whole world watches.

Here, though, in this field outside of Bethlehem, it is quiet. You can hear the sheep rustling, but that’s about it. The fire crackles. And the shepherds were keeping watch. The announcement of the arrival of the King of all kings is being made to people. Not to the religious, or powerful, or influential, but to mere ordinary shepherds. The declaration of the event was made privately and in secret. There was no worldly pomp and celebration to be found here. No, God had visited the earth. He had come to rescue his people.

And no one noticed…
…except a few shepherds…
...they were watching…
…were still enough to notice.