Have you ever wondered why God chose the shepherds to be the first witnesses to the coming of the Messiah?  We have no evidence that they were particularly devote or that they would be the best messengers to spread the word.  I might have chosen the innkeeper or the local restaurant or tavern owner.  They probably knew more people to share the message with. Perhaps the shepherds were chosen because they were nearby and awake watching the sheep.  Let’s look at Luke’s account in Luke 2.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

The shepherds were ordinary and not exceptional but were given an exceptional task.  They were to share the news about the Messiah to the world.  This Christmas season is a good reminder for us all that we, too, may be ordinary but we also have been given an exceptional task to share God’s love and message with the world.  We did not receive this task from Angels singing but from Jesus, Himself.  His very last words on earth before He left were – “You will be my witnesses… and I will be with you always.” This Christmas may we all be faithful in carrying out the task He left for us.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave