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.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:8-20
Today is Christmas Eve.
Very likely, the world outside is hustling and bustling with final preparations, twinkling lights, and the anticipation of tomorrow morning.
But for a moment, let’s pause and step into the scene of that first Christmas night so long ago.
Picture it: A group of shepherds, ordinary men tending their flocks under a vast, star-filled sky.
Suddenly, the night erupts with heavenly light as an angel appears, announcing the birth of the Savior.
Then, instantly, a multitude of angels fills the heavens, praising God and proclaiming peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests.
The shepherds, hearts pounding, say to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.”
They hurry off, leaving their sheep behind, drawn by the promise of the Messiah.
And there, in a dirty, humble stable, they find Him—a tiny baby, wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger.
Next to the baby Jesus, they see Joseph and Mary. No doubt, weary and tired.
Can you picture it?
Of course you can. You’ve seen the setting countless times—nativity scenes, Christmas programs, even movies and television.
But do you know what the story says about those shepherds?
Did you know Luke tells us more about the actions of the shepherds on that first Christmas night than he does about Mary or Joseph?
In fact, by my count, in Luke’s Gospel, there are twelve verses detailing the activities of the shepherds. And only two verses about the actions of Mary and Joseph.
Fascinating, isn’t it?
Why do you think that is?
I think maybe we find a clue in the final detail that Luke gives us about the first Christmas.
Look again at verse 20: “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen…”
Something profound had changed in their hearts that night. They were not the same men who had started their watch earlier in the evening.
Their encounter with Jesus—even as a newborn lying in a manger—changed them from the inside out.
They left that encounter with the Son of God “glorifying and praising Him.”
I don’t know what you have planned this Christmas season with family and loved ones. And I hope it is wonderful and filled with joy.
But make no mistake, if Christmas doesn’t change us, we have missed it.
So be sure to find some time, alone with God, and allow Him to work in your heart however He desires to do so—maybe revealing His grace and mercy to you for the very first time.
Just as He changed those shepherds on that first Christmas night, He desires to change us too.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for Christmas. Help me never miss the magic of it. Not the trees or the gifts—but the wonder of an Almighty God taking on flesh for my sin and soul. Change me. May I leave today praising and glorifying You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.