The angels told the shepherds that they should worship the baby Jesus?

True or False?

Isn’t it fascinating how common misconceptions can color our understanding of the Nativity story? It's easy to assume, especially with the grandeur of the Christmastime narrative, that the angels sent the shepherds to pay homage to the baby Jesus, but that's not quite the biblical text. This angle encourages us to reflect on who receives our worship and the essence of that time spent in wonder.

The shepherds, often seen as undervalued social figures of their day, represent the joy of divine revelation being delivered to the lowly—a common theme throughout Luke’s Gospel. When they arrived at the manger, their intent was to see “what had happened.” After visiting, the text notes they returned filled with joy, "glorifying" and “praising God” for what they had witnessed. It’s a reminder that our experiences of divine encounters often lead us towards greater reverence and appreciation of the creator, rather than solely the miraculous event itself.

Moreover, the shepherds are emphasized to show that good news isn't only for the wealthy or politically powerful, but for everyone—just like God's message continues to resonate today. Interestingly, the symbolism of shepherds is woven throughout scripture, echoing figures like David, who was also a shepherd before becoming king. In a sense, those humble shepherds foreshadow the liberation theme evident in many prophetic writings, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary. Their response encourages us to celebrate those moments of divine gathering—together and jubilantly!