A Shepherd’s Meal is simply eating a meal like the Shepherds might have eaten on the night that the Angel came to share with them the good news about the Messiah being born. Luke 2 tells us that the shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks at night when an angel appeared to them. 

How to have a Shepherd’s Meal

So for the meal, pick a night to have a Shepherd’s dinner with your family. Some like to do this on Christmas Eve, but any night during Advent will work. You can pick a spot on the ground near the Christmas tree, or sit at a table nearby. By candlelight and the light of the Christmas tree (without overhead lights), eat a simple meal of foods that would have been similar to what the Shepherds might have had. 

What To Do During the Meal

During the meal, read the Nativity from Luke 2:1-20, or you can use a book like The Shepherd Dinner. Recall the story of the shepherds watching their flocks and how an angel of the Lord appeared to them at night bringing them the good news of Jesus’ birth. Some like to dress up as shepherds for this meal, or even act out the Nativity. 

Foods to Eat for the Meal

Foods you might have include: cheeses, meats, fruit, nuts, hummus, olives, crackers, bread, figs/fig preserves, cucumber, etc. Much like putting together a simple charcuterie board. In the book, The Lifegiving Home by Sally & Sarah Clarkson, they write about having a Shepherd’s Meal every Christmas Eve and including a delicious potato soup with the dinner offerings. They figured even if it wasn’t authentic, the shepherds would have loved the soup. So I think some creative license is allowed, here. 🙂

pause and Reflect

As you eat by candlelight and reflect upon Scripture, imagine how the shepherds might have felt when the angel appeared to them and announced the Messiah’s birth. Let the simplicity and beauty of this meal center your hearts on Jesus and his coming!

⁸ “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11, NIV) 

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If you’re looking for more ways to be intentional with your family this Christmas, check out our free Family Guide here. We also love these Advent Cards that help your family connect with God and one another as you study Scripture and make memories together. Check them out here!