Reflection on the wonder of the Nativity and the shepherds' role in recognizing and praising the birth of Jesus. Instill a love for Christ in your children today.
Today's Gospel: Luke 2:16-21
My first big acting gig took place in Miss Smith’s second grade class, where we were rehearsing for a dramatization of the Nativity.
Naturally, I wanted a lead role. Mary would have been nice. The talking donkey would have been even better.
I was heartbroken when I was cast as an angel, because there were few speaking lines. I was told it was because I liked to sing, and the angel chorus needed me.
But it seemed to me it was the shepherds who stole the show. They recognized the importance of the birth of the baby Jesus. They informed and amazed with their reflections on the Christ child. They caused Mary to deeply ponder their words and hold them in her heart.
In the end, the shepherds offered effusive praise to God for the wonder of the Incarnation. The Messiah had, indeed, been born and would free men and women from their sins.
My acting dreams faded away sometime after my college graduation. However, my wonder at the Nativity continues to this day. For it is simply amazing that God would become man and that He would humble Himself by coming to earth as a vulnerable baby.
He did it for you—he did it for me. He did it for our families. He would grow up to make the ultimate sacrifice, laying down His life so that we could live forever with God in Paradise. But the greatest adventure of all time began simply, in a manger, with shepherds as a welcoming team.
As parents, we can instill in our children a profound love for the Christ child. The more we demonstrate that love, the more likely it is that our sons and daughters will imitate it. And the more joy we will experience in our home.
Ponder:
How can you share your love of the Christ child with your children today?
Pray:
Baby Jesus, thank You for coming into the world. May we always honor You and the role You play in salvation history.
Pray Together:
Take five minutes today to explain to your children what the nativity means to you.
Copyright 2026 Maria V. Gallagher
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