The Christmas Story Through a Law Enforcement Lens
December 22, 2025 | Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb, Thomas County Sheriff's Office
"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife...'" - Matthew 1:20
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and as I've been reflecting on the nativity story, I can't help but see law enforcement woven throughout the greatest story ever told. This isn't coincidence; it’s providence.
Joseph: The First Guardian
Joseph often gets overlooked in Christmas pageants, but he was essentially the first protective detail for the Christ child. When warned of Herod's threat, Joseph didn't hesitate;he moved his family to safety in the middle of the night (Matthew 2:13-14).
Sound familiar? Joseph had to make split-second decisions based on limited information. He had to trust his training (his faith) and his instincts. He put his family's safety above his own comfort, leaving everything familiar to protect those under his care.
Every officer reading this carries that same protective instinct: the willingness to put yourself between danger and innocent people. Joseph understood that being a protector sometimes means making hard choices others don't understand.
Shepherds: The Original First Responders
The shepherds were society's first responders; living outdoors, staying alert through the night, ready to act when danger threatened their flocks. They knew how to handle emergencies, move quickly, and stay calm under pressure.
When the angel announced Christ's birth, these first responders didn't hesitate. They left their posts (with proper coverage, I'm sure!) and responded immediately to the greatest call of their lives (Luke 2:15-16).
Like you, they were used to being awakened at all hours. They understood watches and shifts. They knew that the most important moments often happen when everyone else is asleep.
Christ's Birth: Hope for Justice Servants
The baby born in Bethlehem would grow up to say, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6). That's you. Every time you put on that badge, you're hungering for righteousness in your community.
Jesus came to "proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free" (Luke 4:18). Your daily work serves this same mission; protecting the vulnerable, stopping oppression, bringing freedom from fear.
The Christ child represents hope that justice isn't just a human ideal, it’s God's heart. Your work matters to Him because justice matters to Him.
Christmas Eve Meditation for Officers on Duty
If you're working Christmas Eve, here's a meditation for your shift:
"God, as I patrol these streets tonight, I remember that You once walked among us. The baby born in Bethlehem grew up understanding what it means to serve others sacrificially. Help me see Your presence in every call I answer tonight. Give me Joseph's protective heart and the shepherds' readiness to respond. Let me be Your hands and feet to those who need help this Christmas Eve. And remind me that even when I'm away from my family, I'm never away from You. Amen."
Christmas Eve is about God showing up in unexpected places. Tonight, He's showing up in your patrol car.
Merry Christmas, officers. Thank you for your watch.
Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb
Thomas County Sheriff's Office
