Shepherd's Christmas

The shepherds were folk with hopes, and dreams, cares, and joys.  They were working people trying to get along and to live their lives.  God revealed great things to them.  They were afraid.  But the angel told them not to be afraid.  They did not run away in fear, but stayed to hear the message.  Then they talked it over among themselves and decided to go together to Bethlehem in order to see the things that were revealed to them.  They could have done otherwise.  They could have dismissed it all as an illusion.  Instead, they had open minds, open ears, and open hearts.  The result was their rejoicing in the affirmation that God was for them and toward them and that God could and did reveal to them the message of joy in Christ.  They rejoiced.