In the middle of the Gospels, we find the account of Jesus’ transfiguration. High on a mountain with his closest disciples, there is a brief moment when Jesus pulls back the veil of humility, allowing his disciples to see him transfigured in his glory. His ancient servants Moses and Elijah appear to attend him. Seeing divine glory, Peter blurts out “It is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah (Mark 9:5). In his terror, he didn’t know what to say, so he pitched this audacious idea. Let’s keep this going forever. We can jump to the end of the story: remain in glory and not go down the mountain to struggle, suffering, and a cross. I understand Peter. Who wouldn’t prefer to stay with the glory? Somehow, these simple shepherds knew better. They saw the glory of the Lord and heard the angel’s message. They went with haste to manger and saw that the words were true. They were the first, outside of the holy family, to see God in the flesh. Now they might easily have responded: “it is good for us to be here. Let us make three shelters, one for Jesus, one for Mary, and one for Joseph. We can stay right here in the presence of the Lord. Perhaps others can make a pilgrimage to visit – we’ll be ready for them. Let’s stay at the manger.” Not these shepherds. They knew their calling. They received the proclamation of the nativity. They followed the angel’s directions and saw for themselves. They told others the message of the angels. And then, changed by all of this, they went back to their flocks. They returned to their vocations. But they were not the same. They glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen. God had kept his word. His promises were being fulfilled. They had seen the Lord’s Christ with their own eyes. The glory of the Lord – first seen with the arrival of the angel – was now manifest in the confession of the Shepherds. They became the vehicle for the Gospel. They preached Christmas, they praised God, and they told others. It is true! He is here. Like the shepherds, we also have seen and heard the wonderful news of our Savior’s birth. That joyous message is for us, but it is not for us to hoard for ourselves. It is given to us so we can share it. Come and see, but don’t stop there. Go, and tell. Prayer: God, you have revealed yourself to us in Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith that we can share this good news with others. Help us go and tell. Amen.