8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

— Luke 2:8-11

He goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

— John 10:4

Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice;,I know them, and they follow Me.”

— John 10:27

For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

— 1 Peter 2:25

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace and mercy of Christ be with you!

Around 2000 years ago, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. And the first people the angels announced His birthday to were shepherds out watching their flocks in the field near Bethlehem. This was fitting because Jesus was a descendant from a long line of shepherds, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and King David. Like His forefathers Jesus also was a shepherd even though as far as we know he never led any sheep, instead, He led people. The Bible metaphorically gives Jesus a title—the Great Shepherd of His sheep. And just like His forefathers tended their flocks in Israel, Israel is also the setting for Jesus’s earthly shepherding.

Shepherding is all about calling and listening. Sheep instinctively follows the voice of their shepherd. It’s this kind of following that keep them alive. Sheep don’t know where to find good pasture or where to find water or shelter. Only the shepherd knows where all the needs of his flock can be met, and so he calls to them and they follow him to food, drink and protection.
Metaphorically, this is what a relationship with Jesus looks like. Human souls following the voice of the only One, who Peter called “the Shepherd of your souls,” and who truly knows where to lead us.