Mary treasures all things in her heart

The story of the shepherds opens the New Year for all of us.

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We go back to the first Christmas night when the shepherds are out in the field to pasture their flock.Generally unschooled and “unchurched,” the shepherds as a group are pushed to the margins of society. But it is to them that the good news of the Savior’s birth is revealed by God. It happens on a typical night when the shepherds have brought their sheep out to the field so they can feed on the grass.

That particular night turns out to be different and distinct from all other nights. A multitude of heavenly host appear and illumine the night sky as they proclaim, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Lk 2:14). Angels in the heavens and shepherds on land are connected by the good news of the Savior’s birth! But why does God choose shepherds to carry such good news to Mary and Joseph? A heavenly message is entrusted to people with coarse hands and lips! Such is the wisdom and ways of God, very much unlike human thoughts.