Isn’t it great to hear about a new baby in the family? First-time parents send out announcements with the headline, “It’s a Boy!” or “It’s a Girl!” We consider the perfect gift to give the little one and anticipate holding a squirming little bundle in our arms. (Grammas are particularly prone to this!) A royal birth is heralded by royal announcement and media attention. Other heads of state are notified of an heir to the throne. Seldom is an announcement made to commoners; they receive the news as bits and pieces fall from the royal family’s important friends. Naturally, one would expect the most momentous announcement in history would be made to important dignitaries; those who hold power and prestige. But God did not consider the lowly estate of the shepherds to be unworthy of His notice.
The shepherds to whom the wonderful news was first proclaimed were as far removed from royalty as night is from day. Their life was lived in the company of sheep. Their home was generally in a cave carved into the Judean hills and if large enough was shared by the sheep. The aroma of lanolin and wool permeated their robes and townspeople gave them wide berth. Their sheep were far more important than they were. The very best; those without blemish, could be sold at the Temple in Jerusalem for sacrifice. Most of their nights were passed under the stars as they huddled in their cloaks, taking turns staying awake to make sure nothing disturbed the flock. The sheep would be sleeping; silent mounds of wool in small groups.
Remember, this was a time before radio provided music; before artificial light provided illumination. The hills were dark, the stars luminous against a velvet sky, or the soft glow of the moon.
In one momentous moment, the humble shepherds were visited by light and music and the most awe inspiring of all beings. Into the blackness around them appeared a blinding light; and in the midst of that light, an angel. Their first thought was fear. So noble a being, so brilliant the light, could not be safe.
Then a voice like soft thunder spoke. And, as angels always had to do, this one told them not to be afraid. The Great Announcement was made to the most humble men in Bethlehem. Spurned by man; loved by God; and considered worthy to be entrusted with the greatest birth announcement in the history of man.
Do you wonder if any others heard faint echoes of the host of angels praising God and rejoicing in awe of His great gift? Do you wonder if anyone saw the glow in the skies above the shepherd’s fields? Heard the music of Heaven besides the shepherds? Close your eyes for a moment and think about that moment in history. Think of darkness becoming noontime. Think of music coming to ears accustomed only to the bleating of sheep. Announcement of royal birth to keepers of sacrificial lambs. Only God would think of that!
