Luke 2:8-10 – And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
One of the biggest events in human history, the announcement of the birth of the Messiah, didn’t come to the religious leaders of the time. Not to scholars. In an instant, Luke takes us from the manger to the pastures outside of Bethlehem where the announcement of the birth of Jesus came to lowly shepherds.
Shepherds lived among their sheep to protect them from predators. They probably didn’t smell the greatest. These men were hard-working but not considered high up in the social world. They weren’t wealthy. They had nothing to bring the Baby King but themselves.
So why did God choose the lowest members of society to entrust the greatest gift of the ages?
Luke 2:11-14 – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
The shepherds eagerly shared the news about what they’d seen.
Luke 2:15-18 – And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
After they had seen the Baby, they spread the word concerning what they’d been told and what they’d seen.
So why did God choose the lowly shepherds to share this most glorious news? Not only because He knew they would be overjoyed to be the recipients of the news, and that they would eagerly share it with all they met, but I think God chose the humble shepherds to show us that God’s salvation is there for everyone.
Jesus came humbly into the world, born not to rich and famous parents, but a simple carpenter and a virgin. And the news about his birth was first presented to those who were considered lowest in society to let us know God loves us all. No matter who we are.
Until next time, dear friends, many blessings!
Mary
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