Verse from Luke

Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10

In Luke 1, we read Mary’s song in which she “glorifies . . . God my Savior” (vv. 46-47). She includes herself by referring to “the humble state of [God’s] servant” (v. 48) and notes how God “has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble” (v. 52). In Luke 2, God lifts up the humble when the angel appears first to shepherds with the good news of Jesus’ birth (vv. 9-12). Shepherds lived “on the margins,” rendered ceremonially unclean by a job whose requirements kept them outside the city limits and outside civic norms. 

Shepherds found it difficult even to participate in the religious festivals and sacrifices. Yet they were the chosen eyewitnesses for the angelic celebration on a Bethlehem hillside (vv. 13-14). The angel spoke of “great joy for all the people” (v. 10)—shepherds included. We’re included too. May we celebrate the wonder of Christ’s birth.