Words by Scott McCullar | Image by Al Blanton
The Christmas story in Luke is fascinating. Each element of the story of Jesus’ birth is powerful and deep with meaning. To think that Jesus, the Son of God, was born to a young virgin in the small, forgotten town of Bethlehem is just remarkable.
Consider the angels in Luke 2:8-20. They were sent from heaven to announce the birth of Jesus, the One who would change the entire world forever. Those angels could have gone anywhere, to anyone. Some might think it best the angels head to the political leaders who had great influence on society. One could argue the angels should appear to the nobles who held such esteem, wealth, and power in those days. Also, others could say the angels should first go to the temple in Jerusalem and inform the priests of what was transpiring so they could be prepared.
Instead, the angels appeared to shepherds. In our era, we don’t have a bad view of shepherds. Because of the Christmas story, the biography of King David, and Jesus’ description of Himself in John 10 as the Great Shepherd, our concept of shepherds in the fields is skewed greatly.
In the era of the birth of Jesus, one of the most unlikable classes of people were shepherds. They were considered outlaws, rugged, and mean. Shepherds were outcasts who would rather be by themselves than ever situated around polite and proper company. If you wanted people to look down on you disgustingly in that day, become a shepherd. In fact, shepherds were so disregarded by society that they weren’t even allowed to testify in court!
But it was to the shepherds that an angel appeared! And when this angel hopped into this reality, the shepherds were shocked! The heavenly messenger had a wonderful and wowing word for these unsanitary men: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12).
Then a whole host of angels appeared before the shook shepherds and just began to praise the Lord! “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14)
Why shepherds? Why would these angels, who could have literally gone to anyone on the whole planet, appear with a direct and personal message to a forgotten class of people? The angels themselves give the reason. Because Jesus came for everybody: “which will be to ALL people.”
No matter who you are or what you have done or the mistakes you have made or the obstacles you struggle with or the burdens you carry, Jesus was born for you. Jesus was born for the blessing and benefit of people from every walk of life, no exceptions.
The people worse than you – Jesus came for them. The people better off than you – Jesus came for them. The people who don’t look like you – Jesus came for them. The people who hurt you – Jesus came for them. The people who love you – Jesus came for them.
What a wonderful Savior who was born so all mankind could have the opportunity to hear the Gospel, the good news of Jesus, and respond unto salvation. Luke’s Gospel goes on to reveal that the shepherds did what they rarely to never do: head into town. Mary and Joseph had to be surprised when shepherds, of all people, showed up unannounced to see this baby! Then, the shepherds did something even more out of character. They headed into populated areas and began to approach people and tell them about who had just been born! I bet the townspeople never forgot the night the shepherds came preaching!
The truth is, we have the most magnificent news this Christmas season! Jesus came to this earth as a baby. He grew up, lived a perfect life, and then accomplished what He had set out to do in the first place. He sacrificed his sinless life for our sinful ones on the cross at Golgotha. He was buried and then rose again!
Don’t forget what the angel proclaimed: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” What great news! Merry Christmas indeed!
This news was so good the shepherds wasted no time making it known to all that the Savior had come! So, this Christmas, who will you tell? WL
