The Catholic Writers Guild

Visions of Christmas

The shepherd roused his fellows and shouted, “The stars are falling! Gather the sheep.” No sooner had he uttered the command than a voice emanated from the blinding form of the star: “Do not fear, for I bring tidings of good joy.”

Shuffling, the shepherds leapt to their feet, fear gripping their hearts. Why, they have never witnessed anything so wondrous! What does it all mean? 

“Do not be afraid,” the angel repeated, “for today in the city of David is born a savior for you who is Messiah and Lord.” He half-turned and pointed down the hill to the cluster of houses in the distance, and smiled. “And this will be your sign: you will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” The angel glanced up and joined his hands together in prayer. He radiated pure love. 

At that moment, a great multitude of heavenly hosts streamed across the heavens, thronging out the stars, and filling the night with their Gloria in excelsis Deo. O, what glory rang out! What delight to the senses! The spheres joined in with their primeval symphony, muffled since the Fall.  

The shepherds looked on with awe. Or was it fear? They couldn’t decide, for their limbs hung limply at their sides and their thoughts scattered away from them, past the edges of understanding. Indeed, their souls mystically floated up, up, up to join the heavenly choir in praise of the God-man who was waiting for them swaddled in humility and love. By the mercy of God, the shepherds’ souls expanded in knowledge of the sacred mystery of the Incarnation, and their minds were illuminated with truths divine. Only the angel’s command— “Go”—and the sudden disappearance of the hosts could tear them away from the otherworldly vision.  

When the shepherds came to, they huddled together in fierce debate. What did they see? Angels of the Lord or hallucinations caused by exhaustion? Are the rumors true? Is the Messiah finally here? Why was He born in our generation? We are unworthy. No, we cannot allow ourselves to think such things. We must believe in what was spoken to us.  

So it was decided. 

The shepherds led their flock down the hill and around the town in haste, for they did not wish to draw attention to themselves. In their hearts shone the star that led the Wise Men to the Babe. In their hearts the joyous anticipation of beholding their Savior bursts forth as a song of praise. The stars winked in the sky, dimmed brethren to the angels, as the moon, oh, the moon, glossed the night with her soft light. A gentle breeze fingered the sheep’s wool and gathered the shepherds’ tunics around their ankles. On they went, beast and man, to the place where the star directed them. On they went to meet Salvation. 

On they went to the cave where the Babe lay asleep in perfect serenity. 

On they went to the cave where the handmaiden worshiped her Creator, her God, her Son.   

In they went reverently. Never had the sheep been so complaisant. Never had the night been so still. Never had they been so full of wonder. 

The mother knelt by the manger, holding the refulgent Babe in her arms, silently adoring Him. Oh, shepherds, did you know that, in so doing, she became the first and only living tabernacle on earth? Just as the sun lends the moon its light, cladding it in pure silver, so did the handmaiden reflect the divine light of her Son. O, Mother and Son in supernatural communion. Standing over her was her husband, a silent knight who welcomed the shepherds with a nod of gratitude. 

Suddenly, the handmaiden raised her head and offered the shepherds a gentle smile, saying, “Behold Him.” So the shepherds fell to their knees and bowed their heads. For in the manger lay the precious jewel in God’s crown. In the manger lay Wisdom incarnate. In the manger lay salvation itself. 

O, shepherds, make room in your hearts for the sleeping Babe; make room in your hearts for Love. He came for love, and he stayed for you. Come closer, shepherds, for the Babe longs for your company. Protect Him, for many will attempt to hurt Him. Pray to Him for He wishes to be your friend. Turn to Him for He is the light in the darkness, and the darkness shall never overcome it. 

This Christmas, approach the manger with the humility of the shepherds, adore Him with the love of the mother, and contemplate Him with the silence of the father. May He illuminate your hearts and minds with the grace of understanding, the ease of loving, and the joy of knowing. 

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Copyright 2022 Gema Guevara
Image Copyright Custodia Terrae Sanctae