They are common laborers. Living and working under the open sky, on the night shift, more than one badly in need of a bath. The angel comes to them, illuminating the world around them with God's glory. The shepherds are terrified at first, but the angel encourages them just as Mary and Joseph have been encouraged before: "Don't be afraid--for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people of the world."
Imagine that! The good news of God's love is being brought to the world for everyone--and it begins with them!
Our translation of the angel's words: "Don't be afraid to be a part of what God is doing!"
Words of encouragement for each of us.
In Bethlehem, the newborn child is wrapped in old cloths lying around the barn, and has been laid in a feed trough. The parents are alone in the world with their precious, vulnerable young life, until these common folk who have humbly answered God's call come to be with them. The shepherds form the very first community of Jesus with the tired parents.
A heavenly multitude praises God and sings: ""Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he has favored!" Mary was the first identified as God's "favored one." Then the anguished Joseph, in a dream, found out the unusual shape God's favor can take in a person's life. Now the shepherds are beckoned from an ordinary work day to celebrate God's favor resting on them, too. Together, the members of this new "family" experience the peace of God, available in even the most unsettled of circumstances.
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