Learning To Listen To God

The birth of Jesus is a story we cherish and revisit every December. But amidst the familiarity of nativity scenes and carols, have we truly paused to reflect on the unlikely cast of characters who played pivotal roles in this divine narrative? The shepherds and angels in Luke 2 offer profound insights into how God communicates with ordinary people and how their responses can inspire us today.

The shepherds were an unusual choice to receive the first birth announcement of the Savior. Living on the outskirts of society, they were lowly commoners, often looked down upon as part of the peasant class. Their job demanded them to live in the fields, away from family and society, caring for sheep day and night. Religious leaders considered them unclean, both physically and spiritually, due to their inability to adhere to ceremonial laws.

Yet, these humble shepherds were the first to hear the angel’s message. Why? Perhaps God was making a profound statement: his message of redemption is for everyone, especially the overlooked and marginalized. By choosing shepherds, God emphasized that no one is too insignificant for his plans.

In stark contrast to the shepherds, the angels were heavenly beings sent directly by God. They were tasked with making the invisible plans of God visible, pulling back the curtain to reveal the magnitude of his work. When the angel appeared, accompanied by the glory of the Lord, the shepherds were understandably terrified. But the angel’s message was clear and transformative:


This announcement was not only for the shepherds but for all people. It was a message of great joy that transcends fleeting happiness, offering a deep and lasting hope found in Christ.

The shepherds’ reaction to the angel’s message is a model of immediate and faithful obedience. They said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened…” (Luke 2:15). Leaving their flocks, they hurried to find Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger, just as the angel had described.

Upon witnessing the Savior, the shepherds didn’t keep the news to themselves. They spread the word, sharing the incredible story with everyone they encountered. These lowly shepherds became the first evangelists, turning from ordinary recipients into extraordinary messengers.

The shepherds’ story reminds us of three key truths about hearing and responding to God’s voice:

• Open: They were willing to pause their routine and embrace God’s message in the midst of their ordinary work.
• Curious: Instead of passively hearing the angel’s announcement, they acted on it, seeking to understand and experience it firsthand.
• Interruptible: They were willing to let God disrupt their plans, leaving their sheep to witness the birth of Jesus.

The Christmas story invites us to place ourselves in the narrative. Imagine yourself as one of the shepherds. Picture the dark hillside illuminated by the heavenly host, hear the angel’s proclamation, and feel the awe of gazing upon the Christ child in the manger. What would your response be?

This imaginative reflection reminds us that meeting Jesus often requires us to step out of our comfort zones, embrace interruptions, and respond with faith. Whether it’s inviting someone to church, sharing your story, or simply living with kindness and integrity, each response carries eternal significance.

As we reflect on the shepherds and angels this Christmas, let their story inspire us to:

• Open our hearts to hear God’s voice in unexpected places.
• Embrace the joy and amazement of the Gospel.
• Share the good news with those around us, not out of duty, but from an overflow of gratitude.

The Christmas story isn’t just about a moment in history; it’s about how that moment continues to transform lives today. Let the shepherds’ journey to the manger remind us that God’s message is for everyone, and his invitation to join his story is as open now as it was then.