Birth of Jesus Christ IV - JSS2 Christian Religious Studies Past Questions and Answers - page 1

Shepherds are people who take care of sheep. Their main duties include guiding the sheep to good pastures for grazing, protecting them from predators, and ensuring they have water to drink. Shepherds often lead their flocks to different places to find fresh grass and clean water.

They where in Bethlehem looking after their flock in the open field.

Be not afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign for you; you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

God’s plan, which has always had human ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20-21) of his good news (Matthew 28:18-20), included these shepherds as the first evangelists of the Gospel.

The shepherds also represent for us the picture of the far-reaching nature of God’s love.

From the example of these people on the fringes of society — Shepherds occupied the lowest place in their culture — to people with extensive education and financial resources. We see evidence that God’s offer of salvation transcends any barriers we might think impossible.

The Shepherds' Visit to Jesus

Angel's Announcement: On the night Jesus was born, some shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem, watching over their flocks. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The shepherds were terrified, but the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:8-12).

Heavenly Host Praises God: After the angel's announcement, a great company of the heavenly host appeared, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:13-14).

Shepherds' Decision: When the angels left and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about" (Luke 2:15).

Visit to Jesus: The shepherds hurried off and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, who was lying in a manger, just as the angel had described. They saw the newborn Messiah and were filled with wonder and awe (Luke 2:16).

Spreading the News: After visiting Jesus, the shepherds went out and spread the word about what they had been told concerning the child. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. The shepherds glorified and praised God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told (Luke 2:17-20).

Mary's Reflection: Mary treasured all these events and pondered them in her heart, reflecting on the significance of what had happened and the role her son would play in God's plan (Luke 2:19).