Soon after Mary gave birth to Jesus, a group of shepherds were visited by an angel of the Lord:
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’’” -Luke 2:8-13
God chose to announce the birth of His Son, King Jesus, to these ordinary shepherds. He entrusted the glorious news that the Savior had come to a group of men who had no remarkable social standing or exceptional talents. The Bible says they were terrified (wouldn't you be?) but we also know that they sought out the Baby who had come to fulfill all promises and prophesies of the Old Testament, the Baby who had come to redeem His people. They were afraid, but they were obedient. They didn't have any great gifts to bring, but they came to Jesus.
Isn't that the story of salvation? Isn't that the story of Christmas??
The good news that the shepherds heard is now for all to hear, and just as the shepherds came to Jesus, we can too. I think the shepherds lack of wealth and prestige is to remind us that God doesn't require us to come with a resume of great accomplishments or good works. We come to Him empty handed, no matter who we are or what we have. We are spiritually bankrupt until we come to Christ in salvation. One of my favorite songs says, "if you tarry till you're better, you will never come at all."
The angels said that they brought "good news of great joy" that would be for ALL people: the Savior had come. No message is more worthy of celebration than that!
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