There were shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And the Angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them…     Luke 2:8-9

The biggest miracle of the history of the world since the glory of creation and the first announcement is to field workers.  The chasm between heaven and earth is bridged by a divine messenger and the glorious announcement is to the people on the bottom rung of the socio-economic ladder.  The graveyard shift workers get the divine visit.

God enjoys turning our preconceived notions upside down.  What we would consider the “least” and “lower class” God deems worthy of the good news.  Maybe that is how God can get our attention; do the opposite of what we would expect.

The shepherds were just doing their job, minding their own business.  Then suddenly their world is very different, changed forever.  Naturally their response is fear.  When God speaks to you, when an angel visits you, be afraid; I know I am.  When God speaks to you in any form, everything is about to change. So, fear is a good response.  God can work with our fear.

We don’t need to do anything special or spectacular to receive the good news.  The shepherds were in the field, you just keep doing what you do, and God will show up.  Good news will be proclaimed to you. 

I pray that the light of Good News enters your “night” as you go about your life.  I pray this birth of Christ, startles you and you find the assurance of the presence of God with you.

Blessings,

Pastor Rafe