The shepherds’ journey to witness Christ’s birth invites us to come and see God’s presence in our lives today. Through scripture and art, we explore what it means to adore and be with the vulnerable Christ. How might you recognize and respond to God’s invitation to “come and see” in your own spiritual journey?

Luke 2:8-20

Use this guide for prayer and contemplation. Read slowly, pausing as needed for silence and reflection.

Opening

Settle into a comfortable position. Let your shoulders drop.

Take a slow breath in. And a slow breath out.

Let us be with God in prayer and contemplation.

Reflection on Contemplative Prayer

Today, our prayer is shaped by a simple invitation: to be with. To spend time with the One who calls you beloved.

As you turn your face toward God, notice what rises in you—guilt, fear, shame, longing—and let that become part of your prayer. Listen. There is no end to God’s invitations to draw near and see for yourself who God is—always extended with the offer of love that transforms.

In the Scripture and the artwork today, let your eyes and your heart be gently guided toward Christ, the light of the world.

Scripture

Luke 2:8–20 (Common English Bible)

Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them. The Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. Look, I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your Savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: You will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, a great assembly of the heavenly host was with the angel, praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors.”

When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully.

The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.

Holy Spirit, quiet us enough to notice the words and images that draw our attention. As the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem, draw us near to Christ, and teach us what it means to be in Christ’s presence.

Artwork for Prayerful Reflection

The Adoration of the Shepherds, Nicholas Poussin

As you gaze at this scene, notice how every face and gesture leans toward the Christ child.

Let the light that bathes Jesus become a gentle summons for your own eyes and heart: come and see. Stay here a moment.

Reflection Questions

As you look at the painting, what do your eyes go to first?

Where do you notice light gathering in the scene, and what does that light awaken in you?

As you hear the angel say, “Don’t be afraid,” what fears in you are asking to be named before God?

What word, phrase, image, sensation, or memory from the Scripture holds your attention right now?

How does what draws your attention in the Scripture relate to what draws your attention in the painting?

When you imagine yourself among the shepherds—close enough to see the child—what do you notice in your body and breath?

What might it be like for you to “go right now… and see”—to move from hearing about God to drawing near?

What sense of belovedness is God offering you today, especially where guilt, fear, or shame have tried to speak louder?

What is God’s word for you this day?

What is your word to God—and what response do you sense God offering back to you in silence?

Closing

God of loving communion, thank you for the privilege of being in the presence of Christ. Help us accept your invitation to draw near and see, to speak what needs to be spoken, and to hear what needs to be heard. Let your peace rest on us as we return to our day, glorifying and praising you. Amen.