A reading from the gospel according to Luke 2:16-21

16 The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.
17 When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.
18 All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.
19 And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
21 When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Pointers for Reflection:

1. The good news about the birth of the savior was first announced to shepherds, not to educated people or those with authorities. They were very ordinary people yet they were privileged to hear the voice of angels proclaiming the coming of the Messiah. God has a soft heart for people who are looked down upon. David was of course a shepherd but God made him the greatest king of Israel. Later, Jesus Himself will be called by John the Baptist as the lamb who will take away the sins of the world. Moreover, Jesus Himself will become the Good Shepherd who takes care for all of us.

2. The King of kings was found lying in a manger because there were no vacant rooms available. It was a filthy, smelly place and perhaps noisy. How symbolic the scene is. The savior has come to a world full of sin and it knew Him not. May we make a room for Him in our heart full of sins. Let us allow Jesus to remove any filthiness and foul odor in our spiritual life so that He will have a comfortable indwelling in us.

3. Like Mary, let us continue to keep the Word of God in our heart and to contemplate on them day in and day out. Like the shepherd, may we always glorify and give praise to God for all His amazing works and teachings. Additionally, let us go out and tell others the good news of our salvation.

Happy New year to everyone.