NBC DISCIPLE’S LIFESTYLE FOR WEEK 2 DECEMBER 13, 2020 : TOPIC – WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS 

By | December 13, 2020

NBC DISCIPLE’S LIFESTYLE FOR WEEK 2 DECEMBER 13, 2020 : TOPIC – WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS

Read previous NBC Studies here

DECEMBER WEEK 2

WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS

HYMN: BH 79 WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:8–20

TEACHING METHOD(S): Group discussion

PRIMARY LEARNING OUTCOME AND INDICATORS: Members will be

enlightened on the message of this hymn by:

i. Knowing the background of the hymn writer.

ii. Understanding the interpretation behind the composition of the hymn.

iii. Identifying the inspired practical lessons from the hymn.

ICE BREAKING PERIOD

Ask one or two member to mention and sing the first stanza of a Christmas hymn of their choice different from the one to be studied today.

Facilitator’s Opening Remarks

A carol is originated from the word “Carolia” which means a ring dance. It is an early form of sacred folk music dating far back as the early middle ages. It is usually a religious folk song or popular hymn particularly associated with Christmas. In today’s series of Christmas hymn, we shall be examining “While Shepherds Watched their Flocks”. This hymn narrates the significant role of the shepherds on the night when Christ Jesus was born. It is observed that besides the shepherds, no other professionals were mentioned during the birth of Jesus Christ. No wonder, the celebration of Christmas is highly inclusive of all gender, ethnicity, races, nations and continents.

EDUCATION/INTERPRETATION PERIOD

I. Background of the Inspired Writer

This hymn was composed as a narrative of the angels’ announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. It was penned by Nahum Tate, the son of an Irish clergyman. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin. He was appointed as poet laureate of England for the court of William during the reign of William and Mary (1689–1702). His professional achievements sharply contrasted with his private life as he was a drunkard and that resulted in his degradation. He died in a debtor’s refuge in London, England at the age of 63.

Sharing Time: List some ways you have added value to other church members’ live.

II. The Hymn Interpretation

This hymn gives the account of the shepherds’ awareness of Jesus Christ’s birth and the part played by them. Shepherds generally are known for protecting their sheep at all season of the year. In ancient times, shepherds will not leave their flock of sheep alone till far night. No wonder that night when Jesus Christ was born, they were still in fields keeping watch over their sheep when the angel of the Lord beckoned to them and announced His birth. By nature, sheep are fearful animals that cannot lie down except they feel totally secure. Inspite of this, the shepherds responded to the tiding of the angel which was a great risk. “And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid … for behold, 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 Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:9-11, NKJV) They did not only listen to this message of the angel but responded by saying “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass” (v. 15). The shepherd took the message of Christ’s birth in great faith and acted on the message. At the end, the shepherds glorified and praised God for the news they heard and what they witnessed.

It is this narration that inspired Nahum Tate to write his personal psalm focusing on the part played by the shepherds at Jesus Christ’s birth. Let’s sing the first and second stanzas.

1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night,

All seated on the ground,

The angel of the Lord came down,

And glory shone around,

And glory shone around.

2. “Fear not!” said he; for mighty dread

Had seized their troubled mind,

“Glad tidings of great joy I bring,

To you and all mankind,

To you and all mankind.”

This new psalter known as the ‘New Version’ was met with widespread resistance at first with official endorsement by King William for the Church of England. It later came to America for adoption via American Episcopal Church in 1789. In spite of his unfortunate private life of drunkenness and unwise spending, he was useful in narrating the biblical story of Jesus Christ’s birth. The music tune for this hymn was adopted from one of the works of a musician, George Fredrick Handel.

Sharing Time: Mention the name of someone who was used by God in spite of his/her wayward lifestyle and explain how God used him or her. The first and second lines of stanza three, “To you in David’s town this day is born of David’s line, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord…” is a proclamation of the angel to Joseph about what the name of the child would be and the purpose of His birth: “He would save His people from their sins.” But here, to the shepherds, the angel refers to Jesus as “Christ the Lord.” The angel gave vivid description of when, where and how Jesus would be born. He also mentioned the lineage of His birth. In addition, the angel told the shepherds the unusual as to where the baby will be found. It is unusual to give birth to a baby in a place where sheep are kept. The angel told them that they will find a baby lying in a manger in Bethlehem as a sign of recognition for the shepherds. This is indeed a mystery. It is beyond the ability of anyone to grasp it. Despite the issues surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, He never ceases to be the Lord. We shall now sing the third and the fourth stanza solemnly.

3. “To you, in David’s town, this day

Is born, of David’s line,

The Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;

And this shall be the sign:

And this shall be the sign.

4. “The heav’nly Babe you there shall find

To human view displayed,

All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,

And in a manger laid:

And in a manger laid.”

Sharing Time: How can you explain to an unbeliever, an incarnate Saviour?

“Glory to God!” they sang. Glory is associated with the word doxology. It also means all praise to God. The shepherds gave all glory to God for His gift to humankind and for the peace which the birth of Christ brings to the world. They sang a song of reformation: “Soli Deo Gloria” meaning all glory, all honour, all worship, all praise be given to God. The peace proclaimed here does not refer to the peace that is experienced after rest from warfare, but the peace that comes as a result of the Gospel: being justified by faith, we have peace with God. That is, by putting our total trust in Jesus Christ, the warfare between us and God has been done away with. We have been reconciled to God through Christ. In assurance of the peace we have received through our Lord Jesus Christ, let us sing stanza five joyfully.

5. “All glory be to God on high,

And to the Earth be peace;

Good will henceforth from heav’n to men,

Begin and never cease;

Begin and never cease!”

Sharing Time: At what moments do we need to give glory to God?

III. Inspired Practical Lessons

• The Hymn tells us that everyone is important to God. It was the shepherds—a very unlikely group that were the first to receive such an invite because shepherds were despised and mistrusted by everyone of those days. To many people, shepherds were like gypsies, vagrants, carnival workers, and con men all rolled into one. They were looked down upon as among the lowest class of people in the world. So looking at the shepherds’ experience, it shows that all people are important to God. He sent His only Son because He loves all of us not just a group of people.

• The shepherds’ experience reminds us that Jesus’ birth heralded wonderful news. “Do not be afraid!” These words are not only meant to calm the fears and anxiety of the shepherds, they are for everyone. They are meant for all people! This is wonderful news indeed for believers. As fallen beings living in a fallen world, we have a lot of things to be afraid of but thanks be to God who sent His Son to remove every bit of fear and doubt from our lives. So, a study of the shepherds helps us to understand that everyone is important to God and that Jesus’ birth heralded good news for us all.

• How they handled the Good News received from the angel shows that what we do with the Good News makes all the difference. In making this announcement, God by-passed other notable individuals and used those who were looked down upon in the society. God still does this today; He by-passes those who feel they are the ‘big ones’ and communicates with nobodies. Therefore, we must be very careful in our relationships with God and fellow men.

• The shepherds had no reason to fear because they were ‘innocent’. Anyone who is lost in sin has every reason to fear.

• Gifts are beautifully wrapped. Jesus is the Father’s gift to the world.

By accepting Him into our lives, we behold the beauty of His presence through salvation. We are expected to share the good news about Jesus Christ as a gift for the human race. Since we have professed Christ as our Saviour and Lord, we must also spread the news to the unreached people far and near.

Sharing Time: In what ways can a believer underrate or devalue another person?

Facilitator’s Closing Remarks

The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is universal and includes all human races. No area of profession is left out because He is born for all to live forever. As we have the opportunity of celebrating Christ’s birth by singing Christmas hymns, we should share the message to people around our community.

Activity Period

Organise a community Christmas carol and invite non-members of your church.

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