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“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night” (Luke 2:8).

On that now-famous night the angels appeared to shepherds to announce the Messiah’s birth.

Why shepherds?

You sometimes hear it said that shepherding was looked down upon. Generally speaking, the reason is because (a) many shepherds weren’t at home to guard the honour of their families, (b) they were sometimes considered trespassers for grazing flocks on other people’s property, and (c) hanging out with animals around the clock doesn’t tend to make you the cleanest or best-smelling guy in town.

However, it might be too simplistic to say that this derogatory view was wide-spread, especially among the labouring classes. Plus, David and Moses both spent time as shepherds, and they were clearly well-regarded. So it might be safest to say that they were what we would call today the “working poor.”

And God sent his angel… to them. Not to people in a fancy palace or those hobnobbing with the Joneses. But to the shepherds.

This is a reminder for us today.

The announcement of the Saviour’s birth is for all people. It is “good news” (verse 10) for the wayward, worn out and working poor, for the forgotten, the failures and the forlorn. 

It is for rebels, wrecks, and for everyday people like you and me. 

It is for your best friend, that peculiar neighbour, your frustrating co-worker, and that person who posts and says questionable things.

Let’s live like we honour a Saviour of all sorts. Let’s spread the news.

“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (verse 11).

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Notes:

—You’re invited! If you don’t have a church home and you’re close to Barrie, Ontario, join me at Westminster Church. We have two services: (a) The Super Family-Friendly Christmas Eve, and (b) The Traditional Candlelit Service. Click here to learn more. 

—Pause warning: The Up Devotional will go on pause after Christmas and resume on January 2, 2025.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.