Now there were Shepherds

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. (Luke 2:8-20)

The night watch began like any other. The shepherds, residing in caves hewn from the rocky hillsides, stand vigil, protecting their flocks; determined to stave off any ravenous predators lurking about in the shadows. As they peer out at their fold, just as they have done countless other nights, the glory of the Lord suddenly illuminates their world as the angel of God delivers a message of great joy! The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. (Isaiah 9:1)


Although the Lord may well choose to shake us out of our complacency by means of a supernatural event; it is unlikely any of us will be visited by an angel. However, He invites us to venture outside of ourselves; away from our own obsessions, illusions, or insecurities and be ever vigilant so that when grace-filled moments do arise we may recognize His voice. And sometimes He challenges us to let go of old hang-ups or to view a situation in an entirely new light. And He always calls us to trust Him even when, and most certainly when, the mere thought of doing so brings anxiety and fear. Why are we so afraid? We tend to cling to old habits because, like old, worn-out slippers, they are comfortable and make us happy even though they really do us no good.

Our Lord also calls us to share the Good News either by word or deed. This, too, sometimes makes us uncomfortable; so uncomfortable in fact that we miss an opportunity to enlighten others. Perhaps we're embarrassed or don't want to offend. We fear lost friendships or - the situation I identify with most - we feel it's really none of our business. Nevertheless, the News truly is Good and begs to be shared. Initially, the shepherds are struck with great fear upon seeing and hearing the angel. Of course, God has just rocked their world in a huge way! But they choose to trust the message of the angel and immediately set off for Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made know to us. And when they see Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger ... they make known the message that had been told them about this child.

Will we allow our fear or uncertainty to paralyze us? How far will our trust propel us?

(c) 2010 Darby Fitzpatrick