Christmas ViewpointSample

The Shepherds’ Startling Encounter

'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 Saviour 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.”'

Shepherds were the lower-class, working stiffs of their day. Their life was rugged and solitary, focusing on being the flock’s provision, guidance, and safety. In many ways, the shepherd’s role was thankless and overlooked…until the night of the Nativity.

On a hillside scattered with shepherds and their flocks, the night sky ignited with what seemed to be flashes of fire. The scripture describes the shepherds as 'terrified'. Scientists tell us that when an individual is confronted with a terrifying situation, the body goes into a coping mechanism of releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline—your blood pressure and heart rate increase. You start breathing faster. Even your blood flow changes — blood flows away from your heart and into your limbs, making throwing punches or running for your life easier. You enter a stage known as 'fight or flight'.

Interestingly, the shepherds did not do either when the sky lit up with the visit from an angel of the Lord. Possibly, they thought it was all a figment of their imagination, but they heeded the angel’s call to not fear. They stayed…they listened.

Viewpoint Reflection

What is your automatic reflex to a frightening, uncontrollable situation? Fight? Flight? What would you say about these men who did neither but stayed and listened? Place yourself in their sandals.