There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (Luke 2:8-9)

Spiritual sensitivity has always been rather rare. Scripture is packed with distracted priests, ambitious leaders, greedy merchants, manipulative lovers, self-indulgent townspeople, and other dubious characters we know so well from scripture, literature, and our own experience.

Shepherds are usually no more spiritual than any other. The first murder recorded is the shepherd Cain killing his brother Abel. Most of the intrigues of Genesis involve one shepherd against another. Isaiah writes, "And they are shepherds who have no understanding; They have all turned to their own way, Each one to his unjust gain, to the last one." (Isaiah 56:11)

Yet there is also a sense that shepherds enjoy a greater share of spiritual potential. Their entire role is focused on caring for and protecting other creatures. They are often alone beneath a night sky. They have time and quiet for pondering. Time, quiet and care are the shepherds' advantage. With time, quiet, and care we are much more likely to encounter the Lord's glory.

You can listen to a soprano recitative and chorus from the Messiah performed by the Peabody Institute Symphony and Chorus.