And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
The birth of Jesus! To whom does God send angels with the news? Surprise! The Jerusalem religious establishment doesn’t get the news!
It is shepherds who hear, Hark the Herald Angels Sing!
And this refrain echoes throughout Luke’s story of Jesus. God chooses the poor. This good news is for them.
Did you notice God’s choice? Luke does!
Mary is just girl from an out-of-the-way village. Zechariah and Elizabeth are not important in the eyes of the world. And now shepherds…
In almost every culture and every time, shepherds are not wealthy. Very often the flocks they tend are not even their own.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!
The shepherds hurry off to discover the child in a manger. We’re not surprised somehow!
They spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
To lowly shepherds God gives the privilege of first telling the news. People were no doubt astonished, not only by the incredible story, but by who was telling it!
Soon Jesus will speak for Himself and will also announce He has come to preach the good news to the poor!
Why is it that even in today's times people are suprised when the poor are used to do God's work?
ReplyDeleteThose that experience adversity and discrimination are often times the most capable of conveying the kind of humility, love and compassion that the Lord wants us to hear:)
I have found it to be true that we should never judge a book by its cover:)