After browsing endless Christmas volumes, I still find this nativity with a twist of humanity is my top-of-the-pile favourite.
As one of the most momentous events in all of history unfolds and the world is meant to be gazing in awe at the miracle of Christmas, Obed continues to be a downright grump.
I smile indulgently as he moans about the weather, trying not to recall my irritation at the hike in food prices.
When he wails about his lot in life, I roll my eyes. All he has to do was lift his head to notice the magic.
But as I mentally chide him, something magic happens. Obed, in all his prickly negativity, forces me to stop and look up too.
When he stoops to complaining about his sheep, the source of his livelihood, I sit back and consider the career I've chosen. Am I more like Obed than I'd like to admit?
Obed's gorgeous gruffness never fails to melt my heart, especially when a tiny baby in a manger melts his.
To all my fellow grumpy shepherds in the world, I wish you the space to breathe, smile and enjoy life a little more than usual.
Title: The Grumpy Shepherd
Author/Illustrator: Paddie Devon
Publisher: Scripture Union, $19.95
Publication Date: 1995, 1996, 1999
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781859993262
For ages: 2 years +
Type: Picture Book
