In biblical times, shepherds were the “help,” not the owners of the sheep. They were the migrant workers and day laborers of their day, the “foreigners and aliens.” So poor were they that they left their families for long seasons, camping in the mountains, keeping someone else’s flocks safe through the coldest nights of the year. Shepherds worked in groups, taking turns “keeping watch” through the night, for they were held financially responsible if any sheep were lost to wild animals.
Yet it was to these poor shepherds that the angels first announced the birth of our Savior. The lowly were the first evangelists of the good news, the “joyous news for all people.” Heaven placed the joy of the world in the hands of those most despised by the world.
Ignoring the contempt of the powerful for the powerless, the scorn of the rich for the poor, and the judgment of the pious for the sinner, angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus through the humblest of society. The glory of heaven is never declared through the glory of this world, but always shines through the humility of the meek, the lowly, and the overlooked.
If Jesus were born today, to whom would the angels appear? What groups of people would God choose to be the first messengers of the good news? And do we treat these people with the honor and dignity that Jesus himself would show them?
Jesus, help us to see your glory in all people, especially those scorned, despised, and discarded by society. This Christmas, may the news of your coming truly be good news for all people. Amen.
McKenzie Maresh, Student Ministry Leader &
Rev. Dr. Sunny Kang, Pastor
Progressive Christians @ USC (Los Angeles, CA)
Words for Waiting 