Luke 2: the lowly shepherds

Today’s Reading: Luke 2

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

Even though we tend to stretch out the account of Christ’s birth during the Christmas season, Luke condenses Jesus’ birth and childhood into one single chapter. He touches on this so that he can later focus more on Jesus’ adult life, miracles, death, and resurrection.

Once again, we see the presence of angels. And, not just one angel only, but a heavenly host joins in! They proclaim that Jesus has been born! The Messiah! The Savior is here! 
One of the most beautiful parts of this account is that the angels first appeared and shared the good news to shepherds. Lowly, dirty, working out in the fields, shepherds. The angels didn’t appear first to the elite, the rich, or even to those in the temple. They appeared to some of the most humble people to confirm that this good news was for everyone!

And what was the shepherds’ response? They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and Jesus. They didn’t hesitate to stop what they were doing and follow the angel’s instructions. Then, they spread the good news to all!

I love the shepherds’ faith and obedience. I am certain their hastily herding the sheep to find Jesus was quite the spectacle. They didn’t have much so they could quickly pack up and get going. Don’t you think their lack of worldly possessions is what allowed them to immediately get on the move and find the Messiah? What if the angels came to the rich as they were sitting in their cushy homes feasting and relaxing for the evening? Would they have packed up as quickly? Or would they have gone at all? 

What if God told you to spread the good news of his birth? And, let’s be honest, he is telling you to spread the good news. Are you willing to “pack up” or simply do what needs to be done or are you too comfortable? 
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Spend some time in prayer asking God to give you the strength you need to spread the good news. Also, ask him if there is anything that is holding you back from fully obeying all he asks of you.