The Annunciation to the Shepherds

The Annunciation to the Shepherds is the account in Luke 2:8–20 in which the angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks near Bethlehem and announced the birth of the Messiah: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord" (Luke 2:10–11).

The Event

The night of Christ's birth, shepherds in fields outside Bethlehem were visited first by a single angel, then by a great company of the heavenly army praising God: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14). The shepherds went immediately to Bethlehem, found Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus, and returned glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen.

The Significance of Shepherds

The choice of shepherds as the first recipients of the Good News is theologically significant. Shepherds in 1st-century Palestine were considered socially marginal — working class, ritually impure (unable to attend synagogue regularly), and often regarded with suspicion. That God announced the birth of his Son first to them reveals the character of the Gospel: good news to the poor, the lowly, the marginalized (CCC 525).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gloria? The angels' song "Glory to God in the highest" is called the Gloria — one of the oldest non-scriptural hymns of the Church. It is sung (or recited) at every Sunday Mass and on feast days, drawing directly from the angels' proclamation at the Nativity (CCC 333).