Shepherds

Extravagant Joy

One ordinary night, like so many others the shepherds had spent, an angel blazed in and announced the birth of the Messiah. THE biggest news in the Jewish community, THE event for which the Jewish people were all waiting and hoping and praying had finally happened.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Luke 2:8 ESV

The life of a shepherd was not glamorous or highly sought-after, and no one paid them much attention. They worked outdoors, in the heat of day and the cold of night, walking along or watching over the sheep, making sure they didn’t wander.

While shepherding had busy seasons, it was a simple, unsophisticated occupation. Many shepherds were boys or teenagers, with no special schooling or fancy clothes required to get the job.

Nothing remarkable about these guys.

Nonetheless, it’s only shepherds, who see and hear the announcement of the herald angels. Not just one glorious angel — though it starts that way:

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:9-11 ESV

This news wasn’t just for the priests or the powerful or the prosperous. This news is for everyone. For all people. Is that why the Lord picked shepherds, so we would know it was truly for everyone that Jesus had come?

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host…

Luke 2:13a ESV

The shepherds were surrounded by a host of angels, right in the middle of their unremarkable fields full of sleeping sheep.

Can you imagine the joy rising in their hearts as they heard the angels’ message and realized they were able to go and see Jesus for themselves? And can you hear them talking over one another as they share with Mary and Joseph the story of how they came to find them?

Jesus came to earth by becoming a baby. Father God released this historic, world-changing proclamation and followed up His amazing announcement with a magnificent crowd of angels celebrating the news.

Extravagant. Extraordinary. Unexpected.

And mostly unseen.

All that drama and display for a handful of hired help.

Consider & Comment

How has God lavished His resources on you in a time when you felt overlooked or dismissed by those who think they hold power or prestige in this world?

What gifts has God given to you this Advent season?

How has the Lord been extravagant in your life?