The Shepherds Went In Haste
Archbishop of York Sunday 25th December 2011
The Archbishop joins Aled Jones for BBC Radio 2 Good Morning Sunday programme on Christmas morning. He reflects on the shepherds response to Christ's invitation to follow him as a model for us to follow. His reflection follows...“The shepherds went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them” (Luke 2:16-18).
The shepherds went in haste. They couldn’t stand still. Having heard the good news from the angel and a “multitude of the heavenly host, praising God”, they chose to respond positively. They came! They saw! They told!
As the first disciples responded immediately to Christ’s invitation to follow him, so did the shepherds go “with haste”.
These shepherds model for us the response we must make – having heard the good news – or we will never find Christ. For “No-one comes seeking Christ in sloth” (St Ambrose).
May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Mary and Joseph, and the peace of the Christ child, be yours this Christmas.