An Unexpected ChristmasSample

Day 9: A Group of Shepherds

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 that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8–12)

This has always been one of the most surprising parts of the Christmas story for me. Think about it. The most significant announcement in human history wasn’t made in a palace or a public amphitheater. It wasn’t made to those at the center of power or on the frontlines of a battlefield. It was made in the middle of nowhere. The only witnesses were a few sleepless sheep and a tired group of unsuspecting shepherds. 

Shepherds weren’t exactly the rock stars of their time. It wasn’t a glamorous job. It held no special privileges—unless you consider using a sheep as a pillow a privilege. Shepherds did not hold high positions of influence. They spent their nights outdoors with the animals and had the smell to prove it. The character “Pig Pen” from the Peanuts cartoons comes to mind. 

When shepherds entered a room, their odor and filth entered with them. You can just imagine the crowd separating like the Red Sea as they passed. 

So, on the one hand, it’s surprising that God would make his grand announcement to a bunch of shepherds in the middle of the night. But on the other, it makes perfect sense. 

In fact, it seems God has always had a love for shepherds. He plucked one up out of a pasture in Bethlehem and made him the most famous King in the nation’s history. He inspired poets and prophets repeatedly throughout Israel’s history with imagery of shepherds. And Jesus would one day refer to himself as “the Good Shepherd.”

When you think of it like that, there is something beautifully predictable about God choosing a ragtag bunch of shepherds to witness the first moments of the new world order. It reinforces the consistent message running throughout Scripture that God doesn’t judge by the same standards as the rest of the world. He doesn’t value people based on their position, clothing, or achievements. He looks deeper.

God was incredibly specific when he chose who should know about the Savior of the World first. I can almost imagine the conversation in heaven. An angel says, “Okay, so we’ve worked out a strategic communication plan for this announcement.” God replies, “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that too.” The angel continues, “We’ve figured out the best way to honor those who are most important.” God replies, “Me too.” The angel hesitates but then continues, “We think you should start with...” God interrupts, “The shepherds? Good idea! That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

If you’re walking through a season when you don’t feel like you are seen or valued, don’t miss this: There is a God who sees you and celebrates you. He sees what no one else can see. 

After all, this is the God who gave shepherds a private, angelic concert and a front-row seat to the birth of the Savior!