We are going to dig into one of the most beautiful parts of the Christmas story: the shepherds. We’ll uncover what their part in Jesus’ birth reveals about God’s heart for the ordinary, the overlooked, and those willing to respond in faith.
Think about this—out of all the people in the world, God chose shepherds to be the first to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth. These were ordinary, humble, hardworking people who were out in the fields, just going about their business. And yet, on that quiet night, the heavens opened, and everything changed.
Luke 2:10-11 says, “But the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’”
We’re going to look at why the shepherds’ story matters, what their experience tells us about God’s character, and how we can learn from their response to Jesus.
God chose the humble and ordinary to receive the extraordinary news of Jesus’ birth.
Luke 2:8-9 says, “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified.”
Shepherds were considered lowly and unimportant in society, yet God chose them to hear the news first. This reflects God’s heart for the humble and the overlooked. He doesn’t see as the world sees. That is refreshing because, to know that He sees us fully, means that whatever He has planned for us is for us. Just like these shepherds were the ones God chose, we are chosen as well.
How does it encourage you to know that God values the humble and ordinary?
God often speaks to us in the midst of our everyday lives. Are we listening?
James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor.”
God exalts the humble, just as He honored the shepherds by revealing the birth of His Son to them.
I think another good example is that Jesus came as a baby. Most thought the Messiah would come as an adult and a ruler. They were looking for the next king, but instead, God chose for Jesus to come as a baby and to grow up here on earth. He showed us that we can set expectations, but no matter our thoughts, He will exceed them and do something more than we could ever imagine.
As you have volunteered or done your daily job, did you ever feel unable to do some of the things required? Have you seen God work through you and humble you to see that He always has a plan, and that through His guidance you will succeed?
Is there a place in your life where you can practice humility and trust that God sees you?
Luke 2:8-9 tells of God’s angels appearing to humble shepherds in the fields, announcing the birth of Jesus. James 4:10 reminds us that when we humble ourselves before the Lord, He lifts us up. Together, these verses highlight God’s heart for humility, choosing the lowly to receive His good news and revealing that His grace is for all who humbly seek Him.
If you are anything like me, it can be hard to believe that you are good at something. I don’t see it as a bad thing; I just don’t see myself the way God does. I pray to see myself as He does, but even then, I have a hard time believing it. But what I want to do is encourage all of us to try and see ourselves as God does and to also act on what God is speaking to you. It all comes down to believing that God knows exactly what we need, and we need to trust that.
Faith moves us to action—just as the shepherds hurried to meet their Savior.
The shepherds responded with faith, obedience, and urgency when they heard the news of Jesus’ birth.
Luke 2:15-16 says, “When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.”
The shepherds didn’t hesitate—they hurried to see Jesus. Their faith led them to immediate action.
When God speaks to your heart, don’t delay. Respond in faith and obedience.
What is God calling you to respond to in faith today?
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”
The shepherds believed the angels’ message even before they saw Jesus. Their faith moved them.
When thinking about believing without seeing, I think about Ananias of Damascus. He was the disciple who restored Paul’s sight and baptized him as well. This came to mind because God told him to go and heal a man who was known for killing Christ followers. Ananias did question it, but at the same time, he believed and trusted God, so he did as he was told. That was a huge response to faith in what God had planned.
How can you show your faith in God’s promises during this season?
Luke 2:15-16 shows the shepherds’ obedience as they acted in faith, hurrying to see the newborn Savior just as the angels had told them. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Together, these verses highlight the shepherds’ trust and obedience, demonstrating how faith moves us to act on God’s promises with expectation and belief.
We need to be bold and act on what God is speaking to us. When you feel that the Lord is speaking to you, take that and run with it. Do as He has called you to do.
Faith moves us to action—just as the shepherds hurried to meet their Savior.
After encountering Jesus, the shepherds couldn’t keep the good news to themselves—they shared it with others.
Luke 2:17-18 says, “After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.”
The shepherds became the first messengers of the gospel. They shared what they had seen and heard.
They were willing vessels to hear what the angels said and then willing vessels to share with others what they saw and heard. They were then eager to go and see Jesus, the Savior. The willingness to share the gospel doesn’t require a title or position—just a willing heart.
Is there someone who comes to mind that you can share the story of Jesus with this Christmas?
Sharing the good news is part of our purpose as followers of Christ.
Romans 10:14 says, “But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?”
One way—and probably the best way—for us to share the gospel is through our own experiences. Our testimony, what God has done for us, helps us connect with others and bridge the gap between God and our reality. It’s the vulnerability of it all. The fact that we are open and willing to share something so personal helps us share with others in a very clear and meaningful way.
How can you be bold in sharing the gospel this season?
Luke 2:17-18 describes how the shepherds, after seeing Jesus, eagerly shared the good news, and all who heard it were amazed. Romans 10:14 emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Christ so others can believe. Together, these verses highlight the shepherds as an example of boldly proclaiming Jesus, reminding us of our role in sharing the gospel so others may come to know Him.
I encourage you to share the good news with joy and boldness.
I’ve seen this time and again—when you’ve encountered Jesus, you can’t help but share Him with the world.
I hope the story of the shepherds has encouraged you. God chose ordinary people to hear the greatest news the world has ever known, and their response was one of faith, obedience, and joy-filled sharing.
Remember, Luke 2:11 says: “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem.” That good news wasn’t just for the shepherds—it’s for you, for me, and for all people.
My prayer is that, like the shepherds, you’ll listen to God, respond in faith, and share the hope of Jesus this Christmas.
May you be filled with peace, joy, and the wonder of Christ’s birth.