The Shepherds and the Light of the World

The shepherds invite us to stand in awe of the Light of the World just as they did thousands of years ago as Jesus’ first visitors.

“An angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them. […] ‘Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’ […] ‘Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened.’”—Luke 2:9–15 NASB

Arrival of the Shepherds is one of many biblical subjects painted by the well-known French artist Henry LeRolle, who was born in 1848.

This creation by LeRolle included none of the ornate figures seen in many classic paintings. As was typical of his style, he captured the scene described in Luke’s Gospel in a natural way. The setting is a dark cave, with huge beams providing a frame. Mary sits on straw, holding the baby Jesus as Joseph looks on.

Our focus is drawn to the shepherds. These simple men have the plainest of wardrobes, and their faces are lit only by light from a distant opening. We sense curiosity, reverence, humility, and wonder.

LeRolle depicted both the humanity and divinity of this mysterious moment. Into this scene of utter humility, the Light had come, for Jesus is “the Light of the world” (John 9:5). Immanuel! God with us!

While this painting shows Henry LeRolle’s interpretation of the nativity scene, each of us should take time to reflect on this moment for ourselves. How would we have reacted to the sight of the heavenly host praising God? What would it have been like to enter that stable and see the baby Jesus and realize that God Himself was visiting His people?

Today, we can celebrate! God is with us. Jesus has come. He was born, He lived, He died, and He rose again. He’s our Savior.

Reflection Question: How would you have responded if you were among the shepherds then?