The account of the shepherds returning and glorifying God is a significant event recorded in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 2:8-20. This narrative is a profound moment in the Nativity account, highlighting the humble beginnings of Jesus Christ and the divine revelation to ordinary people.

Biblical Context

The shepherds were tending their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem when an angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord. The angel's message was one of great joy, intended for all people: "Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). This announcement was accompanied by a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests" (Luke 2:14).

The Shepherds' Response

Upon receiving the angelic message, the shepherds responded with immediate faith and action. They said to one another, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us" (Luke 2:15). Their decision to leave their flocks and seek the newborn Messiah demonstrates their eagerness and belief in the divine message.

Encounter with the Christ Child

The shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger, just as the angel had described. This encounter fulfilled the angel's words and confirmed the truth of the divine revelation. The shepherds' experience is a testament to God's faithfulness in revealing His plans to those who are humble and receptive.

Proclamation and Praise

After witnessing the Christ child, the shepherds became the first evangelists of the Gospel, spreading the news of what they had seen and heard. Luke 2:17-18 states, "After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." Their testimony was met with wonder and amazement, indicating the impact of their witness on those who heard it.

Glorifying and Praising God

The shepherds returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as they had been told (Luke 2:20). Their response of worship and praise underscores the appropriate reaction to encountering the divine. The shepherds' glorification of God reflects the joy and gratitude that comes from recognizing and experiencing God's redemptive work.

Theological Significance

The shepherds' return, glorifying God, holds deep theological significance. It illustrates the inclusivity of the Gospel message, as the announcement of Christ's birth was first given to shepherds, who were considered lowly and marginalized in society. This event foreshadows the universal reach of Christ's salvation, extending beyond social and cultural boundaries.

Furthermore, the shepherds' response exemplifies the transformative power of encountering Christ. Their immediate faith, proclamation, and worship serve as a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of sharing the Good News and living a life of praise and gratitude to God.

In summary, the shepherds' return, glorifying God, is a pivotal moment in the Nativity narrative, highlighting the humble revelation of Christ's birth and the appropriate response of faith, proclamation, and worship.