Today, let’s imagine standing as a shepherd in the countryside of rural Judea 2000 years ago.
It’s pitch black, with only the occasional bleat of a sheep breaching the calm. Close your eyes and breathe in the smell of your flock, and the peace of the night.
Now imagine your fear when a bright light appears, surrounding a creature larger than you’ve ever seen. It assures to not be afraid, then shares the best news you will ever hear.
Picture yourself as the shepherd in this Christmas account of the birth of Jesus from the Gospel of Saint Luke,
“And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”
Let’s pray – Jesus our Redeemer. You break into the darkness as the light of the world. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.