The announcement of Jesus’ birth was delivered to shepherds, who lived on
the fringe of society, in the fields watching their sheep by night. If a King were born into
the world, you would expect that these shepherds would be the last ones to know about it.
Yet the heavenly angels tell these men that peace was coming to the earth for those on
whom God’s favor rested. What a shocking message. God’s favor was on even these
shepherds. They were being offered peace. And if it would be given to them, then we can
rest assured it is offered to us as well. Now that is good news for a world that is in
turmoil.
