But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Lk. 2:10-11).

The night was quiet with a gentle breeze caressing the forehead of Daniel. He had had a rough day with his sheep, and what he needed most was a quick bath and dinner before joining the rest around the campfire. Normally, his company of shepherds should have gone after greener pastures somewhere, but they had tarried near Bethlehem, their hometown for the census.

The stories and jokes flowed as usual around the campfire as they kept watch over their flock. Micah returned from town with a fresh supply of provisions, anxious to gossip a little bit about Bethlehem and its swelling numbers of natives from all over Israel to register in the census decreed by Caesar Augustus. Interesting things were happening, and Micah, always the “information officer,” could not wait to share and exaggerate.

There was Malachi, the reserved one. Occasionally, he would smile when a joke came close to his humorous side. He was sharp and sensitive. He could sense a predator from afar, and that alertness always made him their sentinel. Today was no exception.

As the night wore on with lots of coffee, Malachi’s face glowed with exceptional radiance. He gave a big sigh with an unusual sniff like someone testing the quality of wine.

“Brethren”, he said with joyful anticipation. “I sense something special in the air. I don’t know what it is, but I can smell it.”

They all broke into laughter.

“That is Ogyam for you,” one of them said.

“What else do you smell, Maliky? What ‘strange’ thing do you see? Do you see angels descending and ascending from heaven on a ladder like father Jacob? Tell us Maliky …”

Have you ever spoken jokingly and later realized the profundity of what you said? Before Joel could land, an angel appeared to them and announced the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem (9-12).

Suddenly, the heavenly choir of a great company of angels, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests” (14).

The shepherds hurried in search of the baby in Bethlehem. When they had seen Him, they spread the news about the child, just as the angel had told them. All who heard it rejoiced (17-18).

Is that not what we should be doing after all that God has done for us in Christ Jesus? Have you not seen and heard enough about the Savior to share the Good News to all who will listen?

As Paul said, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Rm. 10:15).