Introduction
This Christmas Rosary Reflection is the second of three parts of the Infancy narrative of Jesus found in the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke.
The Gospel Account
In this part, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem, an angel of the Lord appears to shepherds at night. The angel announces the birth of a savior born for them as Messiah and Lord. Then, the heavenly host praise God for His work of salvation.
The Annunciation to the Shepherds Reflection contains the verses of this passage from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke, Luke 2:8-14.
The Five Decades
When you pray the five decades of this Rosary Reflection, use these five moments from Mary’s prayer in the Gospel. Read the Gospel verses for each decade and let the words sink in as you pray that decade.
First Decade: The Shepherds Keep Watch (Luke 2:8)
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.
Second Decade: The Angel of the Lord Appears (Luke 2:9)
The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.
Third Decade: The Angel Announces a Savior’s Birth (Luke 2:10-11)
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.”
Fourth Decade: The Sign to the Shepherds (Luke 2:12)
“This will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Fifth Decade: The Heavenly Host Glorify God (Luke 2:13-14)
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
What to Remember
This Gospel passage reflects the will of God to join earth with heaven to announce the birth of a savior who is Messiah and Lord to restore God’s family. God’s Son is born on earth as a human being. Angels appear visibly in great number to glorify God and announce peace to people on earth. The result is good news of great joy to replace great fear.
As a follower of Jesus, and child of God, you can relive this Gospel scene in your imagination as one receiving good news of great joy of Jesus’ presence on earth, along with Mary’s prayers.
What to Pray For
- For a greater openness to hear and see the good news that God sends to you through heavenly and human angels.
- For greater joy to see and hear God’s glory shine around us in creation and other people.
- For peace on earth for all humanity.
- For those who live in darkness, that they will encounter the light and glory of Christ shining through your words, actions, and life.
When This Gospel Appears
Luke’s Gospel account in the Gospel reading on Christmas Day, in the Lectionary. The latest appearance is December 25, 2022.
* Scripture passages are from the United Conference of Catholic Bishops website, https://usccb.org/bible
Click here to pray Christmas Rosary Reflection-Part 1, The Birth of Jesus.
Click here to pray Christmas Rosary Reflection-Part 3, The Shepherds Visit the Infant Jesus.
