A countdown usually culminates with the climax at the end. A countdown for a space launch usually end with a big blast and the rocket is shot up into the air with a lot of flurry and fanfare. This Countdown to Christmas points to the birth of Jesus, the King of Kings, the Messiah, the Promised One. Therefore, I will leave the stable scene for a bit and see what is going on around town and around the countryside.

9. The Hills of Bethlehem – Luke 2:8

It was cold and dark on the hillside outside Bethlehem. Away from the bright lights and hustle and bustle of the town with all its visitors, the hills seemed extra dark and quiet this particular night. This is the perfect setting for sheep to get rest as the Psalmist David wrote many years before, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.” The Shepherd is always looking for places where his sheep could rest and be restored.

10. The Sheep – Luke 2:8

The sheep need a shepherd to guide them and protect them. Sheep would wander off and get lost or get caught in a wolf’s clutches. Many of these sheep were being raised to become a sacrificial lamb for the many sacrifices performed at the temple in Jerusalem not far away. Very soon, there would be one sacrificial lamb that would be sacrificed once for all to end all sacrifices. That lamb would be born this very night.

11. Shepherds – Luke 2:8

Shepherds cared for the sheep. He calls them by name and knows each one. The sheep know his voice and they follow him. Tending sheep out in the fields can be a tedious and boring job especially when the sheep are all bedded down and asleep. It would be easy to drift off to sleep, but NO! A shepherd must be awake at all times on guard against wolves and other predators that seek to snatch the sheep away.

12. A Shepherd boy – Luke 2:8

Among this group of hardy shepherds, there is bound to be a little boy wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps. He is learning all the ins and outs of shepherding, listening for sounds that would alert him of danger and learning how to respond to dangerous situations. He feels proud that his father took him along on this night out in the fields.

Stay tuned as we continue tomorrow the Countdown tracing the paths of the Wise Men to see this newborn King.