Gerard van Honthorst’s Adoration of the Shepherds (1622)

This celebration of Christmas is particularly different, and probably strange for some people.  It feels more like a very long Advent rather than a Christmas celebration that we customarily do.  But if Christmas means an authentic encounter with the birth of the Lord in our world today, then, there is an invitation to discern and follow the voice of the angel as the shepherds experience for themselves.

In Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, the angel says to the shepherds who are struck with great fear: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”  In this familiar story, the shepherds, one of the most marginalised sectors of Jewish society, are the first to hear of the good news.  Strangely enough, they find the infant who is both Messiah and Lord “wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger”. This image of fragility is very significant and powerful for our time, and especially for the most vulnerable among us.  God enters into the depths of our humanity and frailty.  Christmas is a season of hope.  There is no place for fear or despair when we admit our vulnerabilities.  Fear should give way to the hope that God remains with us even during this time of insecurity, joblessness, hunger, natural calamities, sickness, and death.  Not even the saddest and most painful moments of human history can take away the consoling presence of our God-made-human.

Let us be like the shepherds, eager to find Jesus wherever he is.  Let us learn from them as they radiate joy after their encounter with the infant.  They see blessings despite the many challenges in life.  For indeed, God is truly present amid the uncertainties, and struggles of humanity and creation.

Blessed Christmas to one and all!