When examining the nativity, what seems to be the humble of characters who are given the news of the birth of Jesus are the shepherds. It begs the question as to why would angels appear to these unnamed and unknown shepherds in the dark of night in a small village called Bethlehem to declare a message of such universal magnitude? (Luke 2:1-20)
In this field late one night, to the surprise of these humble shepherds, an angel appears and to the surprise of these unexpected shepherds, the greatest news ever given to mankind was made.
The announcement didn’t go to the kings, the ruler’s dignitaries or anyone of any great political financial or regal status but instead to the lowly. They were the one group outside of women who were not allowed to bear witness in a legal court but were witness to the greatest account ever given to humankind.
Scriptures tell us that the Shepherds moved into action and said, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:15b. After seeing the parents and baby Jesus, the Shepherds went on to be witnesses of what they had both heard and seen.
Today, things have not changed but remain the same where God often declares his message to the lowly people of society who have missed the heights of success and status.
Although Shepherds were deemed insignificant, inferior and inadequate, this did not deter them from being ecstatic and resolute in the message they had received and its delivery to those they encountered.
As believers, regardless of the opinion others may have of us, we must be resolute and determined in the Word which brings both hope and joy, both peace and life to a world in need.
This week, may we be confident and bold in sharing the Good News for all seasons.
