God chose little people, places, things, and tasks to bring about the miraculous birth of the Son of God.
The angels did not appear to noble men of authority, but to simple shepherds -- little people.
A social wealthy woman was not chosen to be the mother of the Christ child. Mary, a simple godly virgin of Nazareth, received that honor.
The King of kings and Lord of lords was not born in a sterile hospital maternity ward. When Jesus came into this world God chose a little town called Bethlehem and a cold, damp, and smelly stable. Scripture doesn't mention a midwife, so Mary and Joseph probably delivered Baby Jesus. His bassinet was an animal feeding trough.
1 Corinthians 1:27,29 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. . . . That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Little is much when God is in it.
The shepherds knew what to look for: a newborn Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. They found Him and worshipped Him, marveling at God's grace and goodness and the miracle He had wrought for them.
Luke 2:16,17 And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child.
These shepherds are good examples for us today. They received by faith the message God sent them and then responded with immediate obedience.
After finding the Baby, they reported the good news to others, glorifying and praising God. Then they humbly returned to their duties, new men going back to the same old job.
Telling others about the Saviour is a solemn obligation as well as a great privilege, and we who are believers must be faithful.
Here is the "good news" delivered to the shepherds. God sent a Saviour to meet man's greatest need. It was a message of peace to a world that had always known war.
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus said, "While the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion, grief, and envy. He cannot give peace of heart for which man yearns more than even for outward peace."
Life was difficult at that time, just as it is today. Taxes were high, unemployment was high, and morals were slipping. Roman law, Greek philosophy, and even Jewish religion could not meet the needs of men's hearts.
Then God sent His son.
Looking after a flock of sheep is a hard task that requires a lot of experience, skill and know-how. When things were quiet, the shepherds may have swapped stories or talked about their families. One particular night the sky lit up. All of a sudden an angel of the Lord stood there and the glory of the Lord shone around them.
"What the . . .!" Scripture says they were sore afraid. I think they were petrified.
Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ The Lord.
The shepherds knew about David and rejoiced in the birth for their long awaited Messiah. A praise service broke out, and a multitude of the heavenly host joined them. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men,” Oh, the joy!
When things calmed down, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and worshipped the Holy Baby.
Can you imagine a shepherd returning home that night? “Woman, you won’t believe what happened. I saw the Messiah.”
