Luke 2:8-9
8 Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Monday, December 15 – Week of Joy
The shepherds in this story were living in the fields with their flock. At night, all the flock would have been gathered into a space guarded by the landscape on all sides, save for one - for the gate. With their flock safely tucked away, the angel came and stood among them to offer the news.
The presence of the angel came with another instance of feeling afraid. First Mary, then Joseph, now the Shepherds. Why would an Angel of the Lord want an audience with lowly shepherds? Had they inadvertently broken one of God’s Laws? The Angel’s presence, as we know, brought Good News. But the Shepherds wouldn’t have known that in the moment.
Sometimes we forget that it is a very real human reaction to feel fear upon seeing an Angel. To stand before even a messenger of the divine would be too much for mere mortals to fathom. Yet here we are in another part of the Nativity story, where God wants to let the world know about His son's birth into the world.
Prayer: In our fears, Lord, reassure us of Your presence in our lives. As we remind ourselves about the story of the Nativity this year, help us approach it with a renewed appreciation for what You have already done through Christ Jesus. Amen.
