When I consider the Christmas story, one of the oddest parts of the narrative I see is how and to whom the announcement of Christ’s birth came – to shepherds via angels. Let’s address the angels first: they were heavenly hosts – not human, not imperfect, no need for a Savior. Yet, on the night of Jesus’s birth they filled the plains of Israel saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”
When he considered the heavenly host on that first Christmas, writer, preacher and Anglican bishop, J.C. Ryle, said, Let us note this fact. It is full of deep spiritual lessons. It shows us what good servants the angels are. All that their heavenly Master does pleases and interests them. It shows us what clear knowledge they have. They know what misery sin has brought into creation. They know the blessedness of heaven, and the privilege of an open door into it. Above all, it shows us the deep love and compassion which the angels feel towards poor lost man. They rejoice in the glorious prospect of many souls being saved, and many brands plucked from the burning.” Though Christ’s birth wasn’t affecting them directly – for their position in the heavens was secure – they nonetheless exulted in God for the peace they knew this baby would bring to earth, not to mention an open door to heaven through faith in the Messiah.
Secondly, I am amazed by whom the angels visited: shepherds watching over their flocks by night. Many people believe this is because Jesus wanted to come first to the poor, the downtrodden, the outcast, as He so often did during his earthly ministry. The shepherds certainly fit that description. Theologian Henry M. Morris once stated, “As a class shepherds had a bad reputation…More regrettable was their habit of confusing ‘mine’ with ‘thine’ as they moved about the country. They were considered unreliable and were not allowed to give testimony in the law courts.” Yet, a small group of men that society deemed unreliable was the very group that God put full trust in to spread the news of His Son’s birth. Amazing indeed. Moreover, these men not only became God’s key messengers in that day, but their very positions foreshadowed Jesus’s miraculous role in the lives of mortal men.
To unpack that, let’s take a closer look at the life of the shepherd, compared to the beginning verses of Psalm 23. First, shepherds are with their flocks of sheep from the break of dawn to the darkest part of the night, serving as the head of the flock and leading their sheep to green fields of food and water.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
The only time a shepherd would leave his flock is if even a single sheep went astray. Then, he would leave the others to find the lost sheep. His reputation hinged on his ability to keep the entire flock safe.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.
Serving as a human gate for the sheep at night, he protected them from the prowling thief.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shad ow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
If the danger does come close, the shepherd would sacrifice his own life before allowing the predator to destroy the sheep. That point reminds me of another verse from the book of Isaiah
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned – every one – to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:5-6 ESV
So shocked and amazed were these shepherds at the sight and message of the angels that they made their way to Bethlehem to see the proof of what they’d been told. And when they arrived at the inn and saw the newborn baby, just as the heavenly host had proclaimed, they “made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child and invited others to share in their amazement. Luke 2:18 tells us, “Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them.”
And as the gospel writer, Luke, was inspired to share this story, you and I get to share in the amazement, as well, not just at the reading of this article, but on every occasion where we remember the birth of Emmanuel, God with us, now and forevermore. As you look at the manger scene in your own home or during your comings and goings this season, take a moment to observe the shepherds. Wonder at the mystery of God choosing them as His messengers, of the incredible way their jobs foreshadowed the role of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and of the direct way we can trace our own amazement of the season to the firsthand experience of those humble eyewitnesses. Merry Christmas, everyone! Soli Deo Gloria!
— Linda R. Maynard © December 2023
