Gospel Reflection for Christmas

Luke 2:15-20

This story of the shepherds going to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus for themselves is proclaimed at the Christmas Dawn Mass.

Those shepherds must have been amazed at the angel’s proclamation. Yes, Bethlehem was King David’s birth place, so it would make sense that the Messiah, the one who would fulfill the promise of David’s line lasting forever, would be born in Bethlehem. But the angel told the shepherds that they would find their newborn king in a feeding trough for animals! This piece of news must have seemed incredible.

We hear that the shepherds lost no time in getting to Bethlehem where they found the baby Jesus in a manger, just as the angel had said. And they told Mary and Joseph--and anyone who would listen--the wonderful news that they had been given. Then the shepherds went back to their fields filled with joy and praising God. (Although we hear nothing more of them, they probably never forgot that night).

The people who heard the shepherds’ good news were amazed. Primarily, I’m sure, because of the message itself. But also, I suspect, because it came from shepherds, not from priests, lawyers or rabbis.

We know that God loves us all unconditionally. God does not play favorites. So are we ready to hear good news from the most unexpected sources? That’s one lesson coming from the unforgettable Christmas story.

May we all have a blessed Christmas season.

Sheryl Zabel