As we look on the face of the Christ Child in celebration of the Nativity of the Lord, let us adopt the heart of the poor shepherds whose life of silence and watchfulness prepared them to receive the message of the birth of the Messiah.
By Diana Nussberger
The gospel of Luke (2:1-14) depicts the travel of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and a scene we call the Nativity, which calls to mind the birth of the Christ-Child. The Virgin birth of the incarnate Son of God—Jesus Christ—in the little village of Bethlehem is the culmination of the greatest act of love from God to man and the fulfillment of the long-awaited birth of the Messiah, the redeemer of mankind.
When such an anticipated event finally happens, it creates immense joy as it did in the gospel: An angel told the shepherds about the birth of the Savior, where to find Jesus (in a manger) and how to identify him (wrapped in swaddling clothes). Then a multitude of the heavenly host began praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
To be sure, only Heaven recognized the true value and significance of that magnificent, pivotal day. However, for the residents of Bethlehem it was an event that would have gone unnoticed had it not been for this heavenly herald that appeared to the shepherds living in the fields, constantly keeping watch over their flocks. It was their state of watchfulness that opened the door for their angelic visit.
Going About the Business of Life
Until Jesus’ birth the shepherd’s and the world were going about the business of their lives as we are today. Surely part of Bethlehem was asleep as the angel came to the shepherds during the night watch. Some may have been up celebrating and enjoying their life in many ways. It is exactly the scenario God knows will play out at his second coming. Some will be spiritually asleep, some will care more about what they are pursuing in the world, and some will be watching, prepared, and rewarded (Luke 21:34).
Be Vigilant
Jesus tells us to “watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36). Constantly watching creates focus that dictates our direction. It indicates awareness, purpose of action, and discipline in our daily lives. The shepherds lived with singular purpose a quiet and simple life, separated from the distractions of the world; that is what it takes to live for God.
As Christians, we are in this world but not to be like it for our minds are renewed by Christ’s teachings (Rom12:2). As we look on the face of the infant Christ this Christmas, we are reminded of that. It is in him that our life has meaning, direction, purpose, and fulfillment.
Christmas Joy
We know the joy and value of a life with God and the true meaning of Christmas. Let us remember our heavenly reward, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9). Jesus made this possible; let us love, adore him, and experience the peace that comes from God’s favor. Merry Christmas to all.
Diana Nussberger is a retired Early Childhood and Special Education professional. She resides with her husband and daughter in Arizona. Redeemed by the Lord over 35 years ago, she converted to Catholicism at Our Lady of Fatima parish in Tucson. Serving God is an honor and pleasure that she hopes to have for many years to come.
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