Many of us cannot count how many times we have heard the story of Jesus’ birth. Below, I have attempted to retell the story through the eyes of an earthy , Old West, shepherd. As you read, consider the long-term affect that miraculous night must have had upon the shepherds and all who saw the Baby. This Christmas, hold Jesus in your heart as you give and receive gifts. In the midst of the neon and noise, remember the simplicity of the manger. Many are still searching for the star that will lead them to truth. As we interact with others, let us hold dear the wisdom of humble shepherds who saw, believed, and told the world.

Don’t worry, after a while you get used to the smell—even grow to like it, I say. Sort of makes you feel alive. Watch for that—yep. There is a lesson for you lad, always look before you sit.

So, you are the new shepherd they spoke of? Welcome, I say. Yes, any nephew of Old Nelson is welcome here. How can I help you son? Anything you’d like to know?

Oh! Now that was a long time ago. But it’s as fresh in my memory as, well, as other things around here. Let’s see, thirty-five—no, thirty-six years ago it happened. “Joy,” he said. “Great joy.” And he was right lad. He was right.

Nelson, Sparks, Red, and I were over in that pasture past the creek. We were just kids then, though I was the youngest. Used to tease the others that they were good for mutton. Ha! You know, good for nothing—good for mutton? Never mind.

Anyway, we had settled in for the night around the fire when suddenly it was as though someone turned the sun on. Bright as day it was. I was so scared, thought I was going to die! Right in the middle of the light we saw a big old angel and he said, “Do not be afraid.” (Easy enough to say when you’re twelve feet tall and floating in gold dust!) “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

A Savior. Lad, he told us of a Savior.

Then a whole herd of angels appeared and sang together about God and peace and goodwill and such. Never seen anything like it.

When they left, Old Nelson was the first to speak. “I’m going,” he said, and we all followed him. Words just aren’t big enough to tell you what it was like to find the Savior. Nope. But I can tell you that seeing Him changed us all.

Joy. Yes, the angel said it best. Used to think Joy was like being surprised on your birthday. But it’s more like a burning hope deep in your soul; it keeps you warm, like a clean fire living inside you.

Joy kept burning, even when I lost my best friend, your uncle, Old Nelson. You see son, Nelson still lives because that Savior we saw still lives. Crucified he was, but God didn’t leave Him there. And that’s a story for another day.

Rest now, lad. I’ll tell you like the angel told us: Don’t be afraid. We watch over the sheep, but that Savior I saw watches over us. And I bet Old Nelson’s close by His side.

(This devotional originally appeared in my book Sitting in God’s Sunshine, Resting in His Love, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2005.)