Luke tells us that the shepherds were the first to hear of the birth of Jesus.(Luke 2:8-20) The shepherds? Why the shepherds? They are dirty and smelly and kind of a worldly lot. In first century Israel, shepherds were the lowest of low class. To be called a shepherd was an insult, and these are the people God chooses to tell first? A curious choice indeed.
This curious choice was only one of many curious choices made throughout Jesus' life on Earth. Why Bethlehem? Why sinners? Why fishermen? Why a cross? The list could go on and on.
I think the shepherds were chosen to show that this child was born for all mankind, even the lowest of the low. Consider the visitors that Mary and Joseph entertained, shepherds and kings, both ends of the spectrum. Truly this child was born for all people.
God may make what seems to be curious choices, but be sure they are made for a purpose. The most curious choice may be that he chooses us to do His will. Will you become one of His curious choices?
I pray that all of you have had a Merry Christmas.
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