Why Shepherds? Rediscovering the First Guests of Christmas

When we picture the Nativity, we often imagine a peaceful scene: a quiet stable, a glowing manger, and humble shepherds gathered in awe. But in Jesus’ day, shepherds weren’t admired or respected. In fact, they were often looked down upon. Shepherding was a lonely, grueling, and thankless job. Those with better opportunities chose other professions. And because shepherds couldn’t simply abandon their flocks—not even on the Sabbath—their religious observance was inconsistent at best. They couldn’t attend synagogue regularly. They couldn’t participate in rituals that society used to separate the “good” from the “bad.” As a result, shepherds were considered undesirable neighbors, and certainly not ideal candidates for marriage into a respectable family. Yet these were the people God chose to receive the first announcement of Jesus’ birth.

The Marginalized Receive the First Invitation

In first-century Judea, shepherds lived on the fringes—literally and socially. They slept in fields, not homes. They were poor, uneducated, and often dismissed as insignificant. But God saw them differently. By sending angels to shepherds, God made a bold statement: The good news of Jesus is for everyone. Not just the wealthy. Not just the religious elite. Not just the socially polished. Everyone. This divine choice reminds us to value those whom society often overlooks. It challenges us to treat every person with dignity, compassion, and respect—regardless of status, wealth, or reputation.

A Model of Humility and Joy

The shepherds didn’t respond with entitlement or skepticism. They responded with joy, faith, and urgency. They hurried to see the newborn Messiah, and afterward, they became the first evangelists—sharing what they had witnessed with everyone they met. Their example invites us to approach God with the same humility and gratitude.

A Pattern in Jesus’ Ministry

God’s choice of shepherds wasn’t random. It foreshadowed the very heart of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus consistently uplifted the poor, the outcast, the sinner, and the overlooked. He famously said:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

He chose twelve ordinary laborers—not scholars or priests—to be His disciples. His birth, life, and message all point to the same truth: God sees value where the world sees insignificance. In God’s Nativity story, the shepherds received the first invitation—and in God’s eyes, they were seated in the VIP section.

Continuing the Shepherds’ Tradition

The angel’s message was “good news of great joy for all people.” That includes the forgotten, the marginalized, the lonely, and the overlooked. The shepherds remind us that the invitation of Christ is wide, generous, and inclusive. As people who have accepted that invitation, we’re called to extend it to others. This Christmas, let’s follow the example of those first shepherds. Let’s invite others—friends, neighbors, coworkers, and especially those who might otherwise be left out—to witness the wonder of Christ’s birth. And if you’re looking for a place to celebrate, we’d love to welcome you. Join us this Christmas Eve at Barryville Community Church at 7pm. Come as you are. Everyone is invited. Amen.