Unto You

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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born unto you; he is Christ  the Lord. (Luke 2:8-12 )

Most biblical scholars believe that Jesus was born in the spring, perhaps around April by our calendar.  One of the clues is what Luke records -- And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

During the rest of the year, shepherds would not live out in the fields with their sheep.  Spring was the exception as that was the time of lambing and they would live with their flocks to protect the lambs from wild animals who would prey on the small lambs.

At this time, shepherds were among the lowest of the low in Jewish society.  They handled unclean animals, including animals who died, and they didn’t have the ability to go through the cleansing ceremonies that were required in Jewish society.  So no one of any standing would want to be around shepherds.  They were the outcasts of their society.

God in his grace chose these lowest of the lowest to announce the coming of his Son.  And what an announcement it was.  Can you imagine if you were a shepherd who had done this same thing for many, many years.

It was another of many nights and they expected it to be the same that night and every night to come.  The skies were probably dark, clear and full of stars in a way that we can hardly imagine with all the ambient light we have to endure.

Perhaps they had finished their evening meal and were beginning to settle down for their night’s rest, hoping they would not be awakened by the cry of threatened lambs. One or more would stand watch to listen and watch for any sign of an animal who would come to steal a lamb.

Suddenly, before their sleepy eyes, the heavens opened in a glory that we can only pretend to imagine.  An angel appeared to them and announced the greatest of all news -- “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born unto you; he is Christ  the Lord.”

Notice he did not say, “…a Savior has been born unto the world.”  He said specifically that a Savior had been born unto them – lowly shepherds.

The God of the universe, the God of all creation did not announce his coming to kings or nobles.  He sent his announcement to the lowest of the low and told them that a Savior was coming specifically to them.

What a Christmas gift.

May you and your family be blessed this Christmas Eve with the knowledge that the Son of God was born to each of you.