In the nearby fields that night there were men who stood awake and watchful. They were shepherds, keeping watch over their flocks by night. It was a calm night, bright and peaceful, too bright for anything to happen that might endanger the flock.
All at once, it was even brighter than before; a great and wonderful light filled the sky and the brilliant glory of the Lord shone round about the shepherd so dazzlingly, so suddenly, that their hearts leapt within them and they quaked with fear. And an angel appeared before them in the brilliance and cried out a message that brought them to their knees in prayer. “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(“The Story Bible” by Pearl Buck)

Luke 2:8-11