Life as a shepherd in the days of Jesus was not easy. It was a job for the poor, which meant it did not pay well, and the risks were great. Although lions and bears were no longer frequently sighted in Israel in that day, they still existed, and the shepherd’s weapons amounted to a staff and, if he possessed one, a sling. Days were long, nights were cold, and sheep are notoriously stupid. It took constant vigilance to keep them safe and in line. And so, when the opportunity arose, and when the grazing was ample enough to combine flocks for a feeding, the shepherds no doubt looked forward to an evening enjoying the company of other shepherds. To find safety in numbers and to pass the night along with tall tales and warm drinks was likely a rare treat.
