Shepherds.
Tradition says they were usually older men and younger boys, i.e., those who were not otherwise employable. Sometimes the shepherds were the sons of the owners - like David was.
The Bible certainly does not tell us anything specific about the ages of the shepherds who were watching the flocks out in the fields near Bethlehem the night Jesus was born. However, it is significant that Jesus' birth announcement was first made to people who were among those who did one of the most humble of tasks. That was not accidental!
Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would someday be sacrificed as the payment for the sins of the world, was also to be known as "The Good Shepherd".
Being a shepherd required being responsible and accountable. They have the enormous responsibility of protecting the owners' sheep from predators and poachers. Their role may sound humble - but it is incredibly important.
Those shepherds who were in the field that night just outside Bethlehem were treated to the most glorious announcement ever given! An angel appeared to them to tell 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...." Shepherds on a hillside, taking their turns being the ones to watch for danger, were the first ones to hear of Messiah's birth.
And then, a host of angels joined the first angel, saying "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" I seriously doubt that the words in my ESV translation are the best representation of what they actually proclaimed - but they'll do. Perhaps I am just too connected to what I grew up hearing sung, "Peace on earth. Goodwill to men."
What the Bible does tell us is that when the angels disappeared back into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they did.
What they saw they shared. That is a good reminder for me. They testified to what they had experienced. God asks the same of us - to tell our story. Go tell it!
What an amazing experience - one filled with wonder! An over-the-top highlight of their lives.
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