“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid” (Luke 2:8-9).

 I have stood several times in the fields near Bethlehem. That night long ago was no ordinary night. Out in the fields, in the stillness of the night time, suddenly the routine of the shepherds was shattered. Angels visited them! While shepherds were not despised, they were not highly looked upon nor were they greatly respected. How awesome is the Lord our God! He selected shepherds to be the recipient of His great news. Kings were not informed. The religious leaders were not informed. The governor was not informed. Caesar was not informed. The shepherds were selected to hear the glorious announcement of the coming Baby who would be our Savior. This child would grow up and one day be called “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He would refer to Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). How fitting then was it for these shepherds to be told the glorious news about the arrival of the baby Jesus? What a great lesson for us. God often uses the humble, the simple, and the lowly folks to hear and share His glorious news.

 For today: I’m not a shepherd, but I can imagine that the shepherds never got over the announcement.