Christmas ViewpointSample

The Shepherds’ Response

'And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.'

Once the shepherds experienced this divine happening, they put their heads together about how to proceed and wasted no time. 'So they hurried off…'. Imagine the significance of this decision, leaving their sheep unattended to confirm the announcement. If they walked away from their flock, would they ever be able to find them all again due to wandering lambs, voracious attacks by wolves, or other shepherds helping themselves to unattended sheep?

This was a bold step!

Viewpoint Reflection

What would motivate you if you were one of the shepherds? Would it be curiosity that had to be satisfied or a sense of excitement at the possibility of being the first to greet the long-awaited Messiah? What would motivate you to abandon what was of great importance to you to meet with the Son of God?