The Announcement to the Shepherds

After the quiet intimacy of the birth, the story bursts into light and sound. The first announcement of Christ’s arrival didn't go to the priests in the Temple, the Roman governor, or the wealthy in the city. It went to the shepherds out in the field.

These were common, working-class men, often marginalized and viewed as spiritually suspect because their job made it hard to keep all the ceremonial laws. Yet, God chose them.

The angel appeared and told them (Luke 2:10-12, KJV): "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. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

Why the shepherds?