Running Toward the Light: The Shepherds and the Joy of Christ

by Kay Mulcahy

On a quiet night outside Bethlehem, ordinary shepherds were tending their flocks when heaven broke into their routine. “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear” (Luke 2:9). Their first reaction was fear, as ours so often is when God interrupts our plans. Yet the angel spoke words that still echo through every generation: “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10).

The angels did not bring a message of condemnation or distance, but of joy and nearness. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11). The shepherds were among the first to hear that the long-awaited Messiah had arrived—not in a palace, but in a manger. This alone speaks volumes about God’s heart for the humble and the lowly.

When the angels departed, the shepherds did not hesitate. “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about” (Luke 2:15). Scripture tells us they “hurried off” (Luke 2:16). They ran toward the promise. Fear gave way to faith, and wonder replaced uncertainty. In the presence of Christ, humility blossomed into joy.

When they saw the child, they were overwhelmed not with entitlement, but with awe. “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2:17). Their joy could not be contained. After encountering Jesus, “the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). They came as watchers of sheep and left as witnesses of the Savior.

The shepherds remind us that God still meets people where they are. He still says, “Do not be afraid,” and He still invites us to come and see. We are called to approach Christ with the same humility, the same childlike wonder, and the same joy that overflows into praise. “The Lord is near to all who call on Him” (Psalm 145:18).

Becoming More Like the Shepherds: Daily Steps of Faith and Wonder

To live unafraid and filled with awe—at Christmas and throughout the year—we can follow the example of the shepherds:

Listen for God’s voice daily.
Make space for Scripture and prayer, trusting that God still speaks through His Word.
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).
Choose faith over fear.
When fear arises, remember the angel’s words: “Do not be afraid.”
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Run toward Jesus, not away.
Bring your questions, burdens, and hopes to Him without delay.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Approach Christ with humility.
Remember that He came low so we could come near.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
Rejoice and praise God openly.
Gratitude and worship keep wonder alive.
“Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).
Share the good news with others.
Like the shepherds, tell what you have seen and heard.
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel” (Mark 16:15).

Final Thought

The shepherds teach us that encountering Jesus changes everything. Fear turns into faith. Ordinary lives become testimonies. This Christmas season—and all year long—may we run toward Christ with open hearts, stand before Him in humility and awe, and leave rejoicing, eager to share the joy of our beloved Savior with a waiting world. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).