There are many fascinating facts about the birth of Jesus. It is an event that has caused the greatest of Bible scholars to debate and study for centuries. One of those profound details is who the angels of heaven first let know about the miraculous birth of the Son of God.
We would have imagined that Gabriel would have at least sent word to Caesar in Rome. An announcement might have been expected in Athens or certainly in Jerusalem. We might have thought that the religious leaders of that day would have been notified somehow. But they were not.
Instead, as soon as the most famous birth in history occurred, a heavenly host excitedly interrupted the night shift for some weary shepherds, living outside with their sheep, so they could hear the good news. Shepherds were often viewed as social outcasts. As untrustworthy, shiftless thieves whose testimony was not even valid in a court of law. Surely God could have alerted more respectable people of the birth of His only Son!
But it was to working people, in the middle of their ordinary workday, that the angels were dispatched to proclaim the incredible news. God loves ordinary, working people. They are the ones who know of their need of a Savior. They are the ones whose demanding lives remind them daily of their need for hope, and God’s presence.
And so the angels found working people and told them the news of great joy. The men hurriedly made their way to see this incredible sight. The birth of Jesus is still great news for working people. They still need messengers to go to them and let them know there is news of great joy for them as well. Will you be a heavenly messenger of good news to the ordinary people around you?