As Christmas draws near, I am thinking again about the shepherds who are visited by the angels. The angels have come to announce the Savior’s birth. The Gospel of Luke recounts the story in this way:

“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 baby 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!’

“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’

“And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” Luke 2: 8-18

Can you imagine how the shepherds feel when the angel of the Lord first appears? They are outside the safety of the city, tending to their sheep, in the middle of the night, when not just one angel – but a multitude of the heavenly host – appears before them. This must have been both terrifying and magnificent, and rightly so!

Their conversation must have been lively after the angels departed.  

Can this be real? Did we really just see and hear from angels?! Or are we dreaming? What on earth is happening?! What will we find in Bethlehem if we go?

Somewhere deep in their hearts, hope stirs. Can it be that the promise of the prophets is finally coming true? Is the Savior here among us now on earth?

Whatever fear or uncertainty they feel after the visit with the angels, the shepherds decide to follow their hearts and go in search of the Christ child.

We can only imagine the joy and wonder the shepherds feel when they find Mary and Joseph in a stable, with Jesus lying in a manger – an open trough from which the horses and cattle ate. The scene is exactly as the angels had described it.

This is a lot to take in, as I place myself within that time and place. This is perhaps how the Gospels are best read, by picturing ourselves within the various scenes. What would I have thought or done if I had been there? Would I have followed my heart to Bethlehem?

It is stunning to view the events of Jesus’ life and those who loved Him through the lenses of both our minds and our hearts. When I close my eyes, I can see Mary, so beautiful and trusting, handing the baby Jesus to the gentle shepherds so they can hold the Savior in their arms, close to their hearts.

What did they say to each other? They had all come so far. And as we know, their journeys were just beginning.

Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds were witnessing God’s incredible dream for us, come to life through His Son, Jesus.

Remember, God is a dreamer too. He was the First to dream.

The wonder of it all takes my words away.

Dearest Jesus, draw us near to You, this Christmas season. Wipe away our tears and doubts and fears, Lord. Help us to follow our hearts to Bethlehem.