Read: Luke 2:8–20

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. Luke 2:8–9a

The shepherds were always the last to know everything. They picked up pieces of gossip and rumor now and then that they readily shared among themselves while leading their flocks across the countryside. When it came to official notifications, they were the ones last and least informed. Shepherds occupied, and occupy to this day, the lowest rung on the economic ladder. They have a job, but that job allows them no social clout whatsoever.

Therefore, angels appearing first to the shepherds to announce the birth of a king was something very unusual indeed. It was a birth announcement that put the world on notice. This new king would proclaim to the entire world that in the kingdom of God the first might be last and the last might find themselves first. Angels will appear to shepherds, and the wisest of men will bow to infants.

Who are the overlooked shepherds in your life?

Lord, You came to turn the world on its head. From the moment of Your birth, it was clear that Your values were going to be quite different from our own. To this day, we still have so much to learn. If we want to be attended by Your angels, we might just have to take our place in line with Your shepherds. In Your name, I pray. AMEN.