The Angels Announce Jesus' Birth to the Shepherds

Hear these words from Luke 2:8-14

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
(New Revised Standard Version)

Observe the window

If you had been a shepherd on the hillsides of Bethlehem when the angel appeared how would you have felt? Afraid? Happy? Joyful? How do the shepherds seem to be responding in the window picture?

In what ways has the good news of Christ been proclaimed to you? Are you sharing it with others?

Take a few minutes to be silent

Allow God to speak to you. When you are ready, speak with him. Ask God how he wants you to be his messenger in the world. How are you called to proclaim the good news?

Prayer

You may not send the heavenly host to us, O Lord, but you come to us in so many ways, to share with us the good news of your love. Give us the courage of the shepherds that we may share your good news with others, ever ready to testify to what you have done in our lives. We thank you, Father, for coming to dwell with us in Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we make this prayer in his Name. Amen.