Can You See Heaven’s Glory? A Journey to Shepherd’s Fields
Learn why some fields outside Bethlehem have become so important to Christians around the world!
Grace Callahan
11/25/20247 min read
When we think of the birth of Jesus Christ, our minds often focus on the familiar Nativity scene—Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus lying in a manger, surrounded by animals, and attended by the wisemen and shepherds. But what if we step beyond the stable and look out into the surrounding fields? The place where the shepherds first received the angelic announcement of the Savior's birth holds deep theological and historical significance. Shepherd’s Fields, located just outside the town of Bethlehem, offers us a view of the momentous event from a perspective of simplicity, humility, and divine grace.
In this blog post, we'll take a deeper dive into Shepherd’s Fields in first-century Judea, examine its historical and spiritual significance, and reflect on the lessons it offers to us today. Join me as we explore the sacred land where the humble shepherds were the first to hear the most glorious proclamation ever made—the birth of the Messiah.
Shepherd’s Fields in the Time of Jesus: A Snapshot of Rural Life in Judea
In the first century, Judea was a land of great spiritual expectation and political tension. The Jewish people were under Roman rule, living in a state of longing for the promised Messiah who would free them from foreign oppression. While Jerusalem was the religious and political capital of the region, Bethlehem was a smaller, quieter town—humble, but steeped in rich historical significance. Just to the southeast of Bethlehem, the rolling hills and fields of the region were home to a community of shepherds who lived relatively simple lives, tending their flocks by night and day.
The Life of a Shepherd
Shepherding in first-century Judea was both a humble and vital occupation. The land was arid and often difficult to cultivate, so sheep and goats were an essential part of the economy, providing wool, milk, meat, and—importantly—**lambs** for sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. Shepherds would have worked long hours in the fields, moving from one grazing area to another, often staying outdoors for extended periods.
Unlike the priests and rulers of society, shepherds were marginalized figures. Often considered unclean because of their constant proximity to animals, they were not highly regarded in the social hierarchy. Yet, their work was essential. These shepherds were likely responsible for raising the sacrificial lambs that would later be offered up in the Temple in Jerusalem—a task that carried immense spiritual significance.
Despite their lower social status, the role of the shepherd was deeply connected to the Jewish faith. King David, Israel’s greatest king, had been a shepherd, and he wrote about the role of the shepherd in his famous Psalm 23, where he declares, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” The shepherds of Bethlehem, in their quiet watchfulness, were already part of a long tradition that would now be transformed by the coming of the Good Shepherd—Jesus Christ.
The Angelic Announcement: Heaven’s Glory and Earth’s Hope
According to the Gospel of Luke, the night of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was like no other. The shepherds were out in the fields, tending their flocks, when suddenly, the sky was filled with light. An angel appeared to them, with the glory of the Lord shining around them, and declared:
> “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 shepherds, used to the quiet of the night and the routine of their duties, were overwhelmed by the sheer glory of the angelic visitation. Fear and wonder gripped their hearts as they heard the announcement that the Savior—the long-awaited Messiah—had been born in their town, in Bethlehem.
What is so remarkable about this moment is the audience chosen for the first announcement of Jesus’ birth. Rather than appearing to royalty, priests, or scholars, the angels brought the news of the Messiah to the humble shepherds. It is as if God, in His infinite wisdom, was declaring that His Son—the Savior of the world—was born for the lowly, the marginalized, and the outcast. This is a profound reminder that Jesus came not for the righteous, but for sinners, not for the proud, but for the humble.
The angels, after announcing the good news, were joined by a heavenly host, singing glory to God and proclaiming peace on earth:
> “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)
This moment in Shepherd’s Fields marks the first outpouring of divine glory into the world, a profound declaration of peace that would define the message of Jesus’ life and ministry.
The Shepherds as the First Evangelists
The shepherds, upon hearing the angelic message, immediately set out for Bethlehem to find the newborn Savior. In Luke 2:16-18, we read that they “hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” After witnessing the miracle, they were overcome with joy, and they began to spread the word, telling everyone what they had seen and heard.
In a sense, these shepherds were the first evangelists—the first to bear witness to the birth of Jesus and to share the good news with those around them. This was a significant moment in the history of the early Christian church, for the shepherds became the first to declare the truth of the Messiah’s birth to others.
Their response to the angelic message was immediate and faithful. They didn’t hesitate or doubt, but in their humility and reverence, they went to Bethlehem and found the Savior. It is a powerful example of how faith, joy, and the message of the gospel compel believers to share the good news with others. The shepherds’ testimony was crucial in spreading the word about the birth of Jesus, and their actions speak to us today about the importance of faithful witness.
The Site Today: Shepherd’s Fields as a Place of Pilgrimage
Today, Shepherd’s Fields is a sacred place visited by Christians from around the world. It is located just outside of Bethlehem, in an area traditionally known as Fields of the Shepherds. Pilgrims who visit this site can walk among the rolling hills and caves that have been preserved for centuries, offering a glimpse into the life of the shepherds and a chance to reflect on the significance of the angelic announcement.
Several important landmarks are located at Shepherd’s Fields, including:
- The Church of the Shepherds' Fields, a Greek Orthodox church built to commemorate the angelic appearance and the birth of Christ. It features beautiful mosaics depicting the shepherds and the Nativity.
- The Franciscan Chapel, built by the Franciscan Order and known for its peaceful atmosphere and clear view of the surrounding hills.
- A Cave, thought to be where the shepherds were when the angels appeared, provides visitors with a direct connection to the Biblical story.
Pilgrims often visit these sites to reflect on the humility and simplicity of Christ’s birth and to consider the ways in which God often chooses the lowly to bear witness to the greatest truths. It is a place of reflection, awe, and worship, where visitors can connect not only to the history of the Nativity story but also to the broader Christian message of peace, hope, and salvation.
Spiritual Lessons from Shepherd’s Fields: Humility, Joy, and Evangelism
Visiting Shepherd’s Fields provides an opportunity to reflect on several important spiritual lessons:
1. Humility in the Presence of God
The first witnesses of the birth of the Savior were not kings or religious elites, but humble shepherds. This reflects the deep humility of God’s incarnate Son, who was born into the lowliest of circumstances. We are reminded that God often works through the humble and the marginalized, and that greatness in His kingdom is not defined by worldly success or status.
2. The Joy of Salvation
The angel’s message brought great joy to the shepherds, and their immediate response was one of worship and celebration. In the same way, the message of the gospel is meant to bring joy to our hearts, compelling us to share the news of Jesus’ birth with others.
3. Evangelism and Witness
The shepherds did not keep the news of Jesus’ birth to themselves—they shared it with anyone who would listen. As followers of Christ, we are called to be faithful witnesses to the hope and salvation that Jesus offers. Just as the shepherds ran to spread the good news, so too are we called to declare the truth of the gospel to a world in need of light and hope.
Conclusion: Shepherd’s Fields—A Place of Eternal Significance
The fields outside of Bethlehem—now known as Shepherd’s Fields—are far more than just a historical site. They are a sacred space, filled with divine glory and grace, where God chose to announce the birth of the Messiah to the world’s first evangelists. As we reflect on this sacred place, we are reminded of the profound humility, joy, and mission that are at the heart of the Christian faith. Just as the shepherds hurried to witness the newborn Savior, may we, too, be eager to share the good news of His birth and His love with the world around us.
Shepherd’s Fields continues to be a powerful symbol of God’s work among the humble, the joy of the gospel message, and the call to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Whether we visit the site in person or reflect on its significance from afar, we can carry the message of peace and hope that was first proclaimed there into our own lives and communities.
