Journey to the Manger with the Shepherds | The Third Week of Advent

In this third meditation of our Advent series, Fr. Eric Nicolai invites us to contemplate the shepherds, who were the first to receive the news of Christ’s birth. Though they appear to be secondary figures in the Nativity story, their recognition of the Child wrapped in swaddling clothes becomes a powerful revelation: the newborn Jesus is the true Lamb of God, the light shining in the darkness, and God-with-us. 
As we follow their humble faith and joyful haste toward the manger, we ask for hearts ready to recognize Christ’s presence with the same simplicity and awe. 

Listen now to reflect on: 
• The shepherds’ unique role in caring for sacrificial lambs, and how this prepared them to recognize Jesus. 
• The symbolism of the swaddling clothes and what they revealed about Christ’s mission. 
• The contrast between earthly poverty and the glory of God’s revelation. 
• Why the shepherds became the first evangelizers after encountering the Child. 
• How their humility, attentiveness, and readiness to adore can shape our Advent prayer. 

Download our free Advent devotional, Journey to the Manger, for guided prayer with the writings of St. Josemaria and questions for deeper reflection to accompany our Advent podcast series. 

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