December 23: Why Shepherds?
Scripture
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior, yes, the Messiah, the Lord, has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’”
– Luke 2:8–12
On the night Jesus was born, God could have announced it to anyone. Kings, priests, or rulers would have seemed like the obvious choice. Instead, He chose shepherds. These were ordinary, working men, often viewed as unclean and unreliable by the religious leaders of the day. They lived on the margins, spending long stretches of time in the fields, unable to regularly observe the Sabbath or participate in synagogue life. Some simply labeled them as sinners.
And yet, it was to these men that God entrusted the greatest announcement in human history. An angel appeared to them and declared that the Savior of the world had been born. Not in a palace. Not surrounded by power. But in a manger, a feeding trough, among the animals. From the very beginning, God made it clear that this good news was not reserved for the religious elite or those who had it all together.
The angel’s message could not have been clearer. This was good news that would bring great joy to all people. Not some people. Not the deserving or the impressive. All people. Shepherds were the first to hear it because they represent us. Ordinary. Overlooked. Aware of our shortcomings. God wanted the world to know that His salvation was coming for people exactly like them.
The Christmas story reminds us that no one is too far, too broken, or too unworthy to be invited in. Jesus came for sinners, for outsiders, for people who never imagined they would be included. And that means He came for you and for me. The good news still stands. The Savior has come. And He brings great joy for all who are willing to receive Him.
Reflection
1. Where in your life do you feel ordinary, unnoticed, or overlooked right now?
2. What keeps you from fully believing that God’s grace includes you?
3. How does knowing that Jesus came for “all people” change the way you see yourself and others?
Prayer
Thank God that the good news of Jesus is for everyone. Ask Him to help you receive His grace with humility and joy. Pray that you would live with gratitude for the invitation you have been given and extend that same grace and welcome to others.