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Luke 2:8 states, "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."
Today you can still see shepherds tending their flocks in the fields in Bethlehem. In Bethlehem, there is actually two fields that has a Catholic ownership and another owned by the Greek Orthodox known as the "Shepherds field" both having memorials for the pilgrims to commemorate the Gospel of Luke's account.
The wool taken by the shepherds are a hot commodity for pilgrims and the sheep are highly prized. The Shepherds at the time of Jesus would have had access to the wool themselves keeping them warm as they kept watch over their flocks.
Sheep respond to the shepherd's voice. The voice of the shepherd brings comfort and security to the sheep. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”(John 10:27 ). The voice of the Lord is made manifest through His Catholic Church that presents His word through all the ages.
The Angels appeared to the shepherds out in the field who gave watch over their flocks by night (Luke 2:8-20).
We can appreciate and love the many classic Christmas carols and paintings that were experienced every year, but we also can appreciate the 2,000 year reason for the Season. Mother Mary pondered these things in her heart as the shepherds glorified God praising Him for what they heard and seen this first Christmas night.
So next time someone tries to sell you the idea that Christmas didn't come to Bethlehem December 25, 2 B.C., just give them a smile and a hug and tell them that they will be just alright.