Shepherding light this Christmas

Dec 06, 2024

Wonder why shepherds, the so-called ordinary social class of biblical times, nowhere close to royalty or religious leaders’ status, received news of Jesus’ birth first? We know from Scripture that they received the news from the angel, hastily went to see the child in the manger, and “spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child, and that all who heard it were amazed” (Luke 2:8-20).

In contrast, the birth of Jesus was largely dealt with indifferently by the religious leaders, as evidenced in Matthew 2:1-6. When King Herod inquired about the newborn “King of the Jews,” the chief priests and scribes cited Micah’s prophecy stating that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Yet, despite their profound knowledge of the “Messiah,” unlike the shepherds, they showed indifference and did not seek Jesus themselves. Was there no urgency or need to find the Saviour? Were their hearts not open or touched like those of the shepherds? Did they even recognize their need for a Saviour?

We also run the risk of becoming like these religious leaders - missing the significance of Jesus’ birth and presence, becoming overly distracted, developing cold or lukewarm feelings, or losing our enthusiasm for Christmas if we are not vigilant.

This leads us to a fascinating insight: How were the shepherds different from the religious leaders of that time? Were shepherds truly ordinary, or did they belong to a special group? In biblical times, shepherds were known for their care, protection, and guidance of their flocks. Key attributes of shepherds mentioned in the Scriptures included unwavering dedication (Psalm 23:1-3), staying with their sheep day and night, and shielding them from predators (Ezekiel 34:11-12).

In 1 Samuel 17:34-37, David recounts how he pursued the lion that took a lamb and rescued the lamb from its mouth. Shepherds often exhibited great compassion toward their animals and sacrificed their own safety for the well-being of the flock (John 10:11), demonstrating a profound sense of responsibility. Therefore, one could argue that the good news of Jesus’ birth was shared with a group that truly embodied the heart, values, and mantle of our Lord after all.

This further requires us to consider, like the shepherds, whether we wholeheartedly embrace the Christmas spirit (the birth of Christ) with enthusiasm, a sense of responsibility, compassion, and love. Lately, we often hear people say, “I just don’t feel the Christmas spirit yet. I’m having a quiet Christmas because I’m too busy with work,” or even dismiss Christmas as something only for children. In an attempt to compensate, they might put up a tree and some lights here and there. As author Roy L. Smith wisely noted, “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”
While decorations can be wonderful expressions of joy, true joy must begin in the heart and be shared, much like the shepherds did. Are our hearts in the right place this Christmas?

Will you let your heart remain warm and receptive to commemorating our Saviour’s birth this Christmas? Open your heart to the greatest message of all time. Just as the shepherds did, seek Him in every way possible — more intentionally and with true passion — in Masses, meaningful prayers, conversations with Him, and enjoyable festive additions like carols and spirit-filled gatherings.

Be an influencer in your family and community, just like the shepherds who spread the good news and inspire awe in others. True encounters with Christ inspire worship and a desire to tell others about Him. Have we included anyone in our Christmas plan this year that needs the joy of Christmas but is alone or neglected? or is our Christmas celebration only for those who can reciprocate our favours? Will anyone new hear the good news through us this Christmas? Can people see and feel the joy of Christ in Christmas through our presence and kindness? Have we reconciled with those God requires us to forgive and ask forgiveness from them in the true spirit of Christmas?

Our love for Jesus comes from our belief in Him and favour is bestowed upon those who recognise their need for a Saviour. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasises that salvation is a gift of grace received through faith, not earned by works, showing God’s favour towards believers. The shepherds did indeed “recognise” the Messiah that guided their actions. So, let us, too, celebrate Jesus’ birth as the most significant news ever shared, that He was born for our salvation. Consequently, embracing Christmas with great enthusiasm, hope, love and immense joy.

Thus friends, jump-start your hearts, rekindle your love, and truly seek Him. Don’t keep His light inside of you, but shine it on others so that they too may experience the true meaning of Christmas. Finally, as you approach this season ask yourself, “will YOU be Shepherding the light this Christmas?

(Linda Lopez is the Catechist coordinator at the Church of Jesus Caritas, Kepong.)