Shepherds were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth. This is such an integral part of the Christmas story that we can easily miss its significance. Who do you think should be the first to hear the news that the Savior of the world has been born? Logically thinking, we would first tell people of prominence such as kings, queens and political leaders. Yet, God chose to share this amazing news of his son’s birth with lowly shepherds. So, how low were they? Shepherds were some of the most disrespected and demeaned people in society. Shepherds were often slaves and they were normally uneducated with no means of advancement. They felt distant from God, because the religious system deemed them unclean, forbidden to offer sacrifices or go to the temple to make themselves right with God. They weren’t good candidates for marriage, as no father would approve his daughter marrying a shepherd. They were outsiders.

We are not so different from the shepherds; we often feel unworthy and distant from God. The filthiness of our hearts and minds makes us doubt our relationship with God and we feel unworthy. We look at others and think they have it all together spiritually, but we do not know what is going on in their minds, hearts and lives. And just as the shepherds we often feel unloved. Here’s the amazing thing! God deemed the shepherds worthy of being the first to hear the good news, the great news of the Messiah’s birth. “A Savior has been born to YOU.” even you! Only through the gift of Jesus’ Christ can we be made right with God. It’s about a relationship with Jesus. Jesus changed everything. As Luke tells us, this good news is for ALL THE PEOPLE! 

Scriptures – Luke 2:13-14 (NIV); Isaiah 9:6 (GNT); Luke 2:8-11 (NIV); Romans 3:20-22 (NLT); Luke 2:12 (NIV)

Verse – 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 that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Lk 2:8-11) 

Questions – Do you ever feel distant from God? Do you ever feel inadequate spiritually? Do you ever feel unloved by God? Do you have doubts about your relationship with God? If so, what do you need to do to dispel them? If you are confident in your relationship, what is the key to that confidence?

Prayer – Dear God, thank you for looking down and making me worthy through the great gift of your Son Jesus. Thank you for salvation. Thank you for the peace of knowing that I have a personal relationship with you each and every day! Fill my heart with Christmas! In Jesus Name I pray, amen.