Biblical Context:
The account of the shepherds' response is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 2:8-20. This passage describes the events following the birth of Jesus Christ, where shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem receive a divine announcement of the Savior's birth.

The Angelic Announcement:
The narrative begins with shepherds tending their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord appears to them, and the glory of the Lord shines around them, causing great fear. The angel reassures them, saying, "Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). The angel provides a sign: the shepherds will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

The Heavenly Host:
Following the angel's message, a multitude of the heavenly host appears, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!" (Luke 2:14). This celestial proclamation emphasizes the divine nature of the event and the peace that the Messiah brings to humanity.

The Shepherds' Immediate Response:
The shepherds' reaction is immediate and decisive. They say to one another, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us" (Luke 2:15). Their response is characterized by faith and urgency, as they leave their flocks to witness the fulfillment of the angelic message.

Witnessing the Christ Child:
Upon arriving in Bethlehem, the shepherds find Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in the manger, just as the angel had described. Their encounter with the Christ child confirms the truth of the angelic announcement and fulfills the sign given to them.

Proclaiming the Good News:
After witnessing the newborn Savior, the shepherds spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. "And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them" (Luke 2:18). Their testimony serves as an early proclamation of the Gospel, sharing the good news of Jesus' birth with others.

The Shepherds' Return:
The shepherds return to their fields, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as they had been told (Luke 2:20). Their response is one of worship and gratitude, reflecting the transformative impact of their encounter with the divine.

Theological Significance:
The shepherds' response highlights several key theological themes. First, it underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel message, as the announcement of the Messiah's birth is first given to humble shepherds, representing the marginalized and lowly. Second, their response exemplifies faith and obedience, as they act upon the divine revelation without hesitation. Lastly, their role as the first evangelists points to the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, shepherds were often viewed as lowly and untrustworthy. Their inclusion in the nativity account emphasizes God's grace and the breaking of social barriers through the coming of Christ. The shepherds' response serves as a reminder of the transformative power of encountering Jesus and the call to share His message with the world.