"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."
The night began as any other. The sheep were tucked into their fold, the shepherds resting around the fire, one ear alert for anything amiss, a wolf on the prowl or a human marauder. Until a light appeared. Used to the dark nights, sometimes twinkling with stars, or bright with the moon, they were wide awake now, and afraid. What was this?
But the angel of the Lord reassured them in short order and then told them of the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem. As a great company of angels joined in, the sky was full of glory and praise. And then they were gone.
Did the shepherds understand the heavenly message right away? Or was it curiosity that prompted their hasty departure to the stable? How out of character, to abandon their sheep to the night!
But looking into the face of Jesus in the manger, they had no doubt who this child was. Nor did they hesitate to spread the word to all around. Was it the simplicity of their hearts that caused them to be chosen? I wonder...
NANCY
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