The First to Hear

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:8-12 NIV

"Those were no ordinary sheep …no common flocks, huddled in sleep among the fields, the layered rocks, Near Bethlehem That Night; but those selected for the Temple sacrifice: theirs to atone for sins they had not done. How right the angels should appear to them That Night.Those were no usual shepherds there, but outcast shepherds whose unusual care of special sheep made it impossible to keep Rabbinic law, which therefore banned them. How right the angels should appear to them That Night." From  "No Ordinary Night" By Ruth Bell Graham, published in Footsteps of a Pilgrim

Of course there had to be shepherds. There were always sheep. They were for wool and food and Temple sacrifice. These in our passage may have been those special Temple sheep, being raised for the passover ritual. For this story, that would be appropriate, wouldn't it? It was to these lowly shepherds, who were likely not allowed in the synagogue because of not being ceremonially pure, that the birth announcement was made. They were the first to hear the good news of the newborn Savior, Who is Messiah and God! Out in this lonely, dark field, where David had also tended sheep, the sky was suddenly ablaze with angelic host, praising God and singing about the peace which is being brought to those with whom He is pleased (v. 14). God is pleased with those who receive His Son. The good news is: anyone can.

So they hurried off (positive response to good news) and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger (confirmation of good news). When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child (sharing good news), and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:16-18

Though frightened at first, what else would you do, but go to see? And having seen, what else would you do, but share this amazing event with any who would listen? This is another wonderful account of the grace of God, in His dealings with even the most seemingly obscure people. What beautiful symbolism with the shepherds of the sacrificial sheep being the very first to witness the newborn Lamb of God, Who would take away the sins of the world. Mary was cognizant of all these details. It goes with motherhood, and this was no ordinary mother.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:19-20