Michelle and I were participants this year in the reenactment of The Nativity at Opportunity Village. Throughout this past week, the multi-evening event was pleasant and fun but felt somewhat procedural. That is, until the last performances on Saturday night. Between performances that night, the cast joined a men’s choir in singing “Silent Night.” During that song, the reality of the Savior’s birth was again felt deep in my heart.

I had learned previously of the goodness of the God-fearing shepherds that tended the sheep that special night. I was representing those holy men in our modern-day reenactment. After singing with the men’s group, I went out to the next performance and stood in the staged shepherds’ field. I wondered to myself if I would have been worthy to be one of the ancient shepherds of Bethlehem. As that performance ended, a cute, little, blond girl came up to me and asked who I was. I responded that I was a Shepherd. Then her next question was penetrating. She asked if I was a nice shepherd. The young girl’s question seemed inspired as I had wondered, minutes earlier, if I could measure up as one asked to tend a portion of the Lord’s flock.

Saturday evening, I was not just a performer. I was blessed to feel deeply of the Savior’s reality and of His influence upon my soul.