Why God Chose Shepherds to Announce Christ’s Birth
Discover why God chose humble shepherds to hear the greatest announcement in history and what it reveals about His love for us all.
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The Birth of Jesus Christ
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed,[b] who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.[c]
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[d]15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Why God Chose the Shepherds
If you had good news to share, who would you tell first? Would you tell your best friend? Share it with your spouse? Maybe your mother or father?
When God had the best news of the ages, who did He tell first? Members of the clergy? Wealthy people? People in academia? Actually, no, God told shepherds.
In biblical times, shepherds weren't exactly the cream of society. They were poor, often illiterate, and frequently viewed as dishonorable. Many considered them thieves for grazing their sheep on others' property. They were the outcasts, the marginalized, the ones society looked down upon. Yet, it's to these very people that God chooses to reveal the most significant event in human history.
“And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’” Luke 2:9-10
Picture this scene: It's a quiet night, and suddenly, an angel of the Lord appears to these shepherds. The glory of God shines around them, and understandably, they're filled with great fear. It's not every day you encounter a heavenly being! But before delivering the news, the angel says something crucial: "Fear not."
This simple phrase carries profound significance. When we're gripped by fear, we often can't think rationally. We react emotionally, make unclear decisions, and our vision becomes clouded. The angel understands human nature and knows that for the shepherds to truly hear and comprehend the magnitude of this news, they need to be in a state of calm.
Recently, I spoke with a young man about his spiritual journey. He shared how he initially came to faith out of fear—specifically, the fear of hell after visiting a "judgment house" at Halloween. While this fear prompted his initial response, he realized years later that his relationship with God needed to be rooted in love, not fear.
It's a powerful reminder that God doesn't desire a fear-based relationship with us. Yes, the reality of hell exists, and Jesus spoke about it, but His motive was always love. God loves us so much that He sent His Son for us, desires to forgive our sins, and wants an eternal relationship with us. When we awaken to the reality of God's love, it liberates us and truly births us as children of God.
What is true for us is also true for those shepherds; thus, the angel delivers the extraordinary news:
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
Imagine if someone stood up in the middle of a church service today and announced the birth of a new baby. Albeit awkward, we’d certainly rejoice with the family. But this angelic announcement is on a whole different level.
The angel proclaims good news of cosmic proportions: A Savior has been born! One who will deliver humanity from the consequences of sin. This isn't just any birth announcement; it's the declaration that God Himself has entered human history in the person of Jesus Christ.
The impact of this news on the shepherds was profound. They became worshipers of Jesus, praising and magnifying God. But they didn't stop there—they left and became witnesses, sharing the reality of what God was doing through Jesus Christ.
This story of the shepherds isn't just a quaint nativity scene element. It's preserved in Scripture for a deeper reason. God wants us to see something vital: If there's hope for shepherds, those derided and considered lowlifes, there’s hope for all of us. If Jesus came as Lord and Savior to bleed and die for their sins, then there's hope for you and me in our sins.
TL;DR
God often chooses the unexpected and overlooked to reveal His greatest truths, reminding us that His love extends to all.
Our relationship with God should be rooted in love, not fear.
Like the shepherds, encountering Jesus should transform us into worshippers and witnesses, sharing the good news with others.
Reflection Questions:
Why do you think God chose to share the good news of Jesus' birth with shepherds first, and what does this reveal about God's character and priorities?
How might our perception of God and our relationship with Him change if we approach Him from a place of love rather than fear?
How might our approach to sharing the Gospel change if we truly internalized the idea that there is hope for everyone, regardless of their background or status?
How does the angel's instruction to 'fear not' apply to our lives today, especially in moments of spiritual awakening?
