During the Christmas season, I often find myself thinking about the supporting characters in Jesus’ story.

Being born a Sheppard, it’s hard not to. I grew up hearing my name sung in Christmas carols and seeing my family’s namesake kneeling in Nativity scenes. The shepherds saw what few alive ever would: a “great company of the heavenly host” praising God. They got to meet the newborn Savior. Their humility is celebrated, as it reminds us that God brings the lowly into his story.

Sometimes I wonder, though, what happened to the shepherds after their big debut. Did they go on with their lives, reflecting from time to time on what they’d seen? Did the supernatural power of that night slowly fade from memory? Did they hear of Jesus’ ministry later and feel a twinge of familiarity, wondering, “Could that be him?” Or maybe they lost patience waiting for what was promised to be fulfilled.

Our whole lives can’t be one long miraculous encounter with God. We don’t all get a climactic end like Simeon, who met Jesus and declared to the Lord, “You may dismiss your servant in peace.” In everyday life we witness small miracles, experience overpowering love, achieve moments of communion with God. But then we return to work. We build tents or herd sheep. We go fishing.

I’m in one of those stages where I’m not really waiting for anything. I got married, I got my immigration status, I found a job. Maybe we’ll change houses someday or move cities or have kids, but right now things are steady. It’s strange not to be holding out for anything. But amidst all these blessings, Advent reminds me what I still wait for. Advent is another Holy Saturday, inviting us to hold our breath in anticipation of Jesus’ coming.

I wonder what life was like for those who played supporting roles in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Simon of Cyrene; Joseph of Arimathea; the servant whose ear Jesus healed. Their appearances in the story are fleeting, but their effect on history is great.

A while back, I adapted the story of the woman at Bethany in Matthew 26 into a poem. I wanted to draw out this nameless person’s story and emphasize the role she played ahead of his death. I think it fits with this season of waiting, as we reflect on Christ’s role in our story and our role in his.

In the house of Simon the leper, an 

unidentified 

woman 

approaches Jesus, pours 

a jar of expensive ointment on 

his head. 

Customary practice, for an

honored guest to be

 anointed. 

The disciples are angry.

“A waste of value,” they say.

(Though very soon,

Judas betrays

Jesus for a small sum.)

Says Jesus, “She

has done a beautiful thing 

to me.

A service, that will be told

 in memory of her.”

 She, a new Samuel,

 anoints Jesus as king,

taking her place in the

narrative of salvation.

Laura Sheppard Song

Laura graduated from Calvin in 2015 with a degree in art and writing. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband Josh and dog Rainy. She works as an IT support analyst and enjoys painting, rock climbing, and exploring the city.