January 22

Blessed Night-Watch

And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. — Luke 2:8-9 BSB

It was while the shepherds were doing their everyday work that they had their vision of angels. The best place for us to encounter God’s blessings is at our post of duty, no matter how humble it is. The angels never appear to those who are ashamed of their calling or neglect their responsibilities.

Being a shepherd didn’t seem like an easy or glamorous life. The shepherds were poor, and they had to stay out in the fields all night, watching over their sheep. The wealthy people who lived in big houses probably thought the shepherds had a hard life and looked down on them. Maybe the shepherds themselves sometimes envied those who lived in comfort and never had to work the night shift. Many people today envy the rich. But after that night, the shepherds were never sorry that they were at their post. If they had abandoned their work for something easier or more respectable, they would have missed the angelic visit and the honor of being the first to hear about the Savior’s birth.

We never know what we miss by stepping away from our place of duty. Heavenly visions don’t come to those who despise their place in life. The angel chose to visit the shepherds, not the palaces, showing that God honors faithfulness and humility.

The best place to be is always in the place of duty.