Have you ever wondered why God chose shepherds to be the first recipients of the glorious news concerning Jesus' birth? He didn't send Gabriel and the angel chorus to the priests, or the wise men, or the rulers. He chose the shepherds, even though they were despised by the orthodox Jews of the day. The nature of their tasks as shepherds kept them from keeping the details of the ceremonial law. The shepherds were considered the lowest of the common people. This Sunday we will see why God choose these Shepherds, and perhaps come to appreciate that God shows grace to those in humble circumstances.