In Jesus’ day, shepherds were often regarded as a rough bunch—perhaps they were the “rednecks” of their time. A shepherd’s occupation did not allow them to observe many of the Jewish laws and feasts, so they were looked down upon by some “pious” Jews. Yet, Jesus was born for them too. In Luke’s gospel, the first people to hear of, and respond to, the birth of the Christ were the shepherds. The infant Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is visited by other shepherds.

In the Bethlehem region, there is a pilgrimage site called “The Shepherd’s Field,” which commemorates the annunciation of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. Actually, there are more than one shepherd’s field: there is a Roman Catholic one, a Greek Orthodox one, and a Protestant one. They all commemorate the same event, which is more important than the exact place (which can probably never be known).

In the Roman Catholic Shepherd’s Field, there is a chapel with three paintings in it. The first painting is of the terrifying encounter between the angel and the shepherds in the field. The second is of the shepherds adoring the infant Jesus in the manger. The third is of the shepherds going back their fields filled with joy.

Each image has shepherds, sheep, goats, and something else I did not expect to see—a dog. In fact, the dog’s expressions reinforce the emotions of each scene.

As the angel appears before the shepherds, who appear to be overwhelmed at the sight, the terrified dog is crouched on all four feet with its weight back and tail between its legs, its mouth open, as if barking or growling. In the presence of Jesus in the manger, the dog is sitting, attentively looking at the infant as the shepherds kneel in adoration. Then, as the shepherds and flock go forth and are returning to their field, the dog is enthusiastically running alongside the youngest shepherd as he skips along joyfully with hands holding olive branches raised.

The Nativity was just the beginning of the Lord’s presence among his people. What is our response the His coming? We might consider imitating the shepherds and their dog: holy fear and awe at the manifestations of God’s glory around us; adoration and humility in the presence of God among us; thanksgiving, praise and joy that our Savior has come. Merry Christmas.

Fr. Steve Werner

Holy Rosary Catholic Parish–Pomeroy

St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish–Dayton

St. Mark’s Catholic Parish–Waitsburg