Have you heard the good news of great joy?In this podcast, Fr. Eric Nicolai reflects on the moment within the Christmas narrative when the angels proclaimed the good news of Christ’s birth to the shepherds. The shepherds saw this incredible appearance of God’s glory around them, and they were given a sign: not some strange, obtuse and complicated puzzle, but rather a simple sign of a baby lying in a manger in the city of Bethlehem.God chose first to appear to the shepherds– a simple, watchful group of people. In doing so, God also invites us to set out within our hearts and to seek the infant Jesus in the manger. Fr. Eric prompts us to reflect: “If the Lord came today, are we that watchful? Or, maybe we’re more attentive to our screens, our devices, or our worries, or the latest sports results or political debates.” Rather, this Christmas, we seek the grace to be a watchful and contemplative people, ready to welcome the Infant Jesus and to hold him close in our heart.[ Transcript ]Support the show (https://stjosemaria.org/give/)