Luke 2:8-12, Psalm 25 and Eze 34:23-27

Shepherds… not highly respected… not a sought after profession… and yet fittingly some of the first to hear the news.

There they are, watching their flocks at night and an angel appears and the glory of the Lord shone around them… and they were terrified!

Their message: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

This good news of great joy was for all the people. Not a message for the elite or the educated. Not a message for the well to do or the privileged. This was for all the people… today it was for the shepherds. It’s not that the others are somehow excluded, but a statement was made.

The hope is for all the people, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Father thank You that Your message of hope is for all men…

that one of the first group of folks You chose to reveal Yourself to was a group of “blue collar” common folk.

Today I rejoice again at this good news of great joy!