Preaching about sheep …
Sunday, January 5, was a truly humbling and unforgettable experience. I had the incredible opportunity to preach to a congregation of 500 Ethiopians in the heart of the Omo Valley. It was a moment steeped in joy, unity, and a shared hunger for God's Word. It was also two days before Christmas in Ethiopia as they observe Orthodox Christmas date of January 7.
So, the sermon I prepared focused on the Christmas story. Since this part of the world has many shepherds, I felt led to preach on the shepherds who were the first to hear the announcement of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:8-20). Certainly, there are lessons about faith, humility, and obedience in the lives of those shepherds, but more than that, there’s a relatable factor, one that these Ethiopian shepherds of the 21st century could appreciate. Lowly and forgotten by the world, God chose ordinary shepherds to be the first recipients of His Son’s long awaited arrival.
The shepherds were ordinary people, yet God chose them to receive the greatest news in history. Instead of doubting or hesitating, they responded with immediate faith and action. They left their flocks to find the newborn King, and their joy overflowed as they shared the good news with others. Their story reminds us that God often works through the humble and the unexpected, calling each of us to listen, respond, and share His message.
Even more, these shepherds were those who raised spotless lambs for sacrifice in Jerusalem. They were familiar with the practice of wrapping baby lambs in cloths to keep them protected, spotless and fit for sacrifice. When the angels said, “this will be a sign for you, you will find a BABY, wrapped in swaddling cloths …” this truly meant something specifically unique to these men.
Preaching this message in the Omo Valley was profoundly moving for me. Looking into the faces of people who live out their faith in ways that inspire, I was reminded of the shepherds' simple yet powerful trust in God. Just as the shepherds celebrated the good news, so did this congregation, with hearts full of praise and worship.
It was an honor to share this moment and to witness the universal power of the gospel, transcending cultures and languages. I left the Omo Valley with my own heart stirred to follow the shepherds’ example—to hear, to go, and to proclaim THE LAMB who came to be our sacrifice.
What a blessing it is to see the Lord at work in every corner of the world!