Where are the Shepherds? (Part 1 of 2)

Excerpt from

Where Are The Shepherds?

by Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC

De La Salle Brother

In days past, the putting up of the Belen was an event in itself. In households, all members participated, and in doing so, each became a part of the unfolding of the Nativity Story.  

The Holy Family’s place in the manger was always the easiest part, as they were the main characters and would always be at the center. The hardest part was always where to place the shepherds and the three kings, for it would be hotly debated as to who deserved to be nearest to the Christ Child. Some would argue facetiously that the Shepherds had one more verse in the Bible than the Three Kings and therefore more important by a nose.

What is actually notable is the manner in which they each found their way to the scene of the Nativity. 

The Three Kings were actually astrologers, personages designated by the Greek term Magoi, or Magi. In those days, as unfortunately true as today, one had to be relatively well to do in order to acquire a good education.

The Shepherds, on the other hand, were not men of letters. In those days shepherding was considered to be a humble and lowly job, and therefore belonged to the lowest social strata. And yet it was to them that the Angel appeared to announce the Good News of the birth of our Savior. It was to the shepherds that the message of hope was given. It was to them that the Angel pointed the way to the manger. And it was the shepherds that spread the news of hope and glad tidings. 

While the three kings are visualized in regal clothes carrying valuable gift offerings, the shepherds are always depicted with adoring gazes as they look with hope at this Baby. There is a prayer that originated from Uganda that probably articulates best what was in the hearts of those shepherds: 

                   Blessed are you, O Christ Child,

                   that your cradle was so low

                   that shepherds,

                   the poorest and simplest of people,

                   could kneel beside you

                   and look, level-eyed, into the face of God.