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Chapel of the Shepherds’ Field
Bethlehem.
See route
The First Witnesses of the Nativity
In the hills outside Bethlehem, shepherds once kept watch over their flocks through the night. According to the Gospel of Luke, it was here that the first announcement of Christ’s birth was given.
The Gospel recounts:
“And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.” — Luke 2:8–14
The shepherds immediately went to Bethlehem:
“And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.” — Luke 2:16
The announcement to the shepherds fulfills the words of the prophet Isaiah concerning the coming of the Messiah:
“For a child is born to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6
In Scripture, shepherds are often associated with God’s care for His people. The Messiah Himself would later say:
“I am the good shepherd.” — John 10:11
Thus the first witnesses of Christ’s birth were shepherds—those who would recognize in Him the true Shepherd of Israel.