So many elements in the Christmas Narrative are counter intuitive. If you were to make up a story on which to bring the Ruler of the World, the Messiah, you would not think to string together this cast of characters. After all, would the Maker of the world not use more prestigious people to introduce His coming into that world? Not our Lord. Luke brings this out so clearly.

Of course, Mary and Joseph are far from what appears to be Royal. Though they both trace their lineage to King David. They are far from ideal. They have nothing—no resources, no comfort, no cottage, no medical team (what did Dr. Luke think of that!). But God said yes to them.

The same is true of the first ones who received this amazing news. Perhaps they were singing the Psalms of David when it happened. Their job as shepherds was not noble, perhaps even despised by some. But they did it well and they knew they too had a tie to King David for on those same hillsides King David risked life and limb to protect His Father’s sheep. These poor, shepherds were chosen by God to be the first to know. They were given the message that God the Father was raising a Good Shepherd who would give life and limb for the sheep. And perhaps those very lambs they were watching would be given in sacrifice in the upcoming Passover Feast so that they too were the first to hear the good news.

So this night like any other night was Silent. But the quiet hillside on which they were bedding down for a few hours lit up like Time Square that night as the Angels were sent to pass along the best news ever given to human ears. And it is the greatest news for you to consider too. Put yourself back in their encampment. Hear again for the first time:

8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in highest heaven,

and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

(Luke 2:8–14; NLT)

What an awesome birth announcement… even though the recipients are not the finest of the land. A Savior is born giving glory to God in the highest heaven. But the shepherds, in one sense are very fitting for this message is right? Because it is for all humans. Not just for the noble, the aristocrat, the politically connected. It’s for you and me. Not for the religious alone also for the sinner. Everyone deserves to hear this glorious truth that Jesus has come. And He is our Savior!

So shepherds were fitting to get the news first. Maybe not fitting for a Royal resume in earthly standards. Yet God’s standard and His purpose is out of this world beyond our own standard. That resume needed to prove that God didn’t come just to rule with an iron fist, but also to humble Himself in human flesh and die. That is what is so special about the shepherds. Yes, He is a royal King, but He came to die as a Lamb and that Good News is for all. Not just to the princes and kings but also to the poor and weak.