No, the announcement of the
Savior’s birth did not come first to the religious elite in the hallowed halls
of Jerusalem, nor to the political powers in Rome, and not even to the CNN News
Room in Atlanta, but to common, poor shepherds in the fields outside of the
little town of Bethlehem as they kept watch over the flocks by night.
Lowly, powerless, insignificant,
nameless shepherds. Hardly the movers and shakers of their day. Shepherds who
were accustomed to facing all kinds of fears and bearing the stigma and shame
of high society. How often do you suppose these shepherds may have wondered if
God noticed them at all? If He really cared for them? Or if He even existed?
Life certainly wasn’t blowing them any kisses.
Yet on that night with the brilliant
light of God’s glory shining about them, and with the joy they discovered when
they found the baby lying in the manger, every question was answered and every
doubt and fear erased. This message of good news of great joy is indeed for all
the people. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who
is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). And even these shepherds recognized their
great significance in the eyes of heaven.
Friend, no matter how lowly or
insignificant you feel, or how shamefully others may treat you, how common,
poor, powerless, hopeless or helpless you feel, this message of salvation
through Jesus Christ the Lord is still good news of great joy for all people.
You are of such great worth in the eyes of heaven that Jesus came to give His
life for you. The depth of God’s love for you is demonstrated at the cross,
where mercy flows freely and grace abounds richly to all who believe.
Let me invite you to come and hear
the First Baptist Church choir reprise “The Song of Christmas” this coming
Sunday night, Dec. 28, at 6:00. We presented this musical this past Sunday, and
if you heard it I think you’ll attest that it’s worth hearing again and worth
inviting a friend to come with you. All are welcome and encouraged to come.
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