"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). What a proclamation the angels made on that day in the fields of Bethlehem. The good news being proclaimed was that a Savior was born. The shepherds reacted like any other human would, they were scared. I mean think about it, you are out working and suddenly the mundane, quiet, and otherwise normal evening is interrupted by an angelic being! Not what one would call a normal night at the office.
This very important announcement was made to shepherds. Shepherds in that day were not what one would call blue collar workers. I mean these guys were not very high on the social ladder in society. As a matter of fact, they probably were at the bottom of the ladder. I have to ask the question, "Why would God choose the lowest of low in society to make this very special announcement? After all, does it not make more sense to make such world altering announcement to nobility? What about the local town crier? What about the local gossip club? I mean if this very important news was meant to be spread throughout the country, shouldn't someone other than shepherds be told?
These shepherds were different. As William Hendriksen notes, "They were devout men, probably acquainted with Messianic prophecy. . ." (NTC, Luke pg. 149). This can easily be seen from the reaction they have to the angelic announcement as well as the reaction of those they tell. Although they were shepherds of a different type, they were still shepherds.
So the most important announcement in all of history was given to shepherds. Just like the shepherds in the field, we too have been given an important message to give to the world. That message is the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ - Jesus saves today. Although many may feel that they are not worthy to tell the good news, we must tell others that Jesus saves today. No doubt, we will have many different reactions to this message just like the shepherds. However, we must not allow those negative reactions keep us from proclaiming the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
During this wonderful season of Christmas, let us never forget that we as Christians have been entrusted with the greatest story ever told - Jesus Saves! Let us proclaim this message from the rooftops. May God richly bless you during this most Holy season! Merry Christmas!
