As Christmas approaches, the story of the shepherds in Luke 2 invites us to remember how God often works. Scripture tells us that God announced the birth of Jesus not to kings or officials, but to shepherds in the fields.
Luke writes:
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”
Luke 2:8, NIV
Their night was ordinary. Their work was simple. Nothing about their situation seemed important to the world around them. Yet God saw them, knew them, and chose them to hear news that would change history.
Suddenly an angel appeared to them, and Scripture says:
“The glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”
Luke 2:9, NIV
The shepherds were not expecting this. They were not prepared. They felt fear before they felt joy. But God met them in their fear with a message of hope.
The angel said:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Luke 2:10, NIV
This was not a message for a small group. It was not for one nation or one family. It was for all people. The Savior had come for every tribe, every life, every place.
The angel continued:
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:11, NIV
These words fulfilled centuries of prophecy. The promised Messiah had arrived. The Lord Himself had come near. The sign given to the shepherds was simple and humble:
“You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:12, NIV
The Savior of the world would not be found in a palace but in a manger. God chose humility. God chose lowliness. God chose to reveal His Son in a way that ordinary people could approach without fear.
Suddenly a heavenly host appeared, praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14, NIV
Heaven’s praise announced that God’s glory and God’s peace had come together in Jesus Christ. The shepherds responded immediately. Scripture says:
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”
Luke 2:16, NIV
They did not hesitate. They did not wait for better timing. They went quickly to see what God had done.
After seeing Jesus, they could not keep the news to themselves:
“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.”
Luke 2:17, NIV
They became the first messengers of the gospel. Ordinary shepherds were entrusted with extraordinary truth. God chose them, spoke to them, and sent them out with joy.
This passage offers several truths that are especially meaningful in December:
God meets people in ordinary places.
God brings good news to those who feel unnoticed.
God removes fear with the truth of His presence.
God fulfills His promises through Jesus.
God invites people to come and see what He has done.
God sends His people out with joy after they encounter Christ.
As Christmas approaches, the story of the shepherds reminds us that God is near. He sees every person, even those the world overlooks. He brings peace that cannot be earned and joy that cannot be manufactured.
The shepherds were living an ordinary night when God revealed extraordinary grace.
The same God is present in your December.
He meets you where you are.
He speaks hope into fear.
He invites you to come near to Christ.
He fills your heart with the same joy that filled theirs.
The Savior born in Bethlehem is the Savior who is with you today.