The Shepherds — Hearing God in the Noise

Shepherds weren’t important in the social hierarchy. They were ordinary, often overlooked, and tasked with long, lonely nights in the fields. And yet, God chose to reveal the Messiah to them first. Angels appeared, shining light into the darkness, delivering the good news that the Savior had been born. Their ordinary night became extraordinary, simply because they were paying attention.

God doesn’t only speak in quiet, perfect moments. Often, his voice comes into the middle of routine life, while we’re doing work, running errands, or in the other daily noise. The shepherds’ story reminds us that listening requires presence and attentiveness. God’s interruptions can come in the most ordinary moments, and he calls us to notice and respond.

When we pay attention, we can hear God in unexpected ways: through Scripture, prayer, life circumstances, or even other people. The shepherds demonstrate that we don’t need perfect conditions to encounter God; we just need an open heart and a willingness to move when he calls.

In our own lives, God may be whispering in the middle of busyness, chaos, or monotony. He is present in the ordinary. Our response to his voice—like the shepherds’ immediate action to go and see Jesus—transforms both our understanding and our lives.

Reflect: Where are you “in the middle of the fields” today? How can you pay attention for God’s voice there?
Prayer: Jesus, my own Good Shepherd, open my ears and my heart to hear you in the ordinary moments of my day.