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Luke 2:8-20
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: * “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
Grace Prayed For
Openness to the Extraordinary: The shepherds’ lives were likely routine. Pray for the grace to be open to moments where God might interrupt your ordinary with the extraordinary. Ask for a discerning heart to recognize these divine encounters.
Finding Wonder in the Ordinary: A Reflection on the Shepherds and the Birth of Jesus
The passage from Luke 2:8-20 paints a beautiful picture of unexpected visitors and a life-changing encounter. We find ourselves amidst ordinary shepherds, tending their flocks under the quiet night sky. Suddenly, their world is shattered by the brilliance of an angel and the proclamation of earth-shattering news: a Savior is born!
Fear Met with Joy:
The initial reaction is one of fear, a natural response to the extraordinary. Yet, the angel’s words, “Do not be afraid,” resonate deeply. This fear is replaced with joy, a joy so profound it’s described as “good news of great joy for all the people.” This night, in a seemingly ordinary place, humanity’s hope arrives.
The Sign of Humility:
The sign given to find the Messiah isn’t a grand palace or a spectacle of light. It’s a simple image – a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. This profound message is delivered not to the rich or powerful, but to shepherds, those on the fringes of society. God chooses the ordinary to reveal the extraordinary, reminding us that true significance lies not in outward appearances but in the power of love and humility.
Responding with Haste:
The shepherds don’t hesitate. They are captivated by the message and spurred into action. They “go in haste,” driven by a newfound purpose – to witness this miracle firsthand. Their eagerness teaches us to respond with openness and enthusiasm when presented with opportunities to experience the divine.
Sharing the Good News:
Upon finding the baby Jesus, the shepherds don’t keep the news to themselves. They “made known the message that had been told them about this child.” Their awe translates into action, inspiring them to share the wonder they’ve encountered. This act of sharing is a reminder of our own call to be witnesses, to spread the message of love and hope that Jesus embodies.
Reflection and Praise:
The passage concludes with Mary’s quiet contemplation and the shepherds’ joyful praise. Both responses are important. Taking time to reflect, like Mary, allows us to internalize the significance of the event and deepen our connection with the divine. The shepherds’ praise, on the other hand, reminds us to celebrate God’s goodness and share the joy of His presence in our lives.
Finding Jesus in the Everyday:
The story of the shepherds teaches us that Jesus can be found in the most unexpected places, even amidst the ordinary routines of our lives. May we too be like the shepherds – open to the extraordinary, ready to respond with enthusiasm, and eager to share the wonder of Jesus’ presence with the world.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Following the Shepherds’ Example: The shepherds’ openness, courage, and action offer a model for your own relationship with Jesus. As you reflect on their journey, you might feel inspired to be more receptive to God’s presence and actively share your faith.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post