The Most Unlikely Audience

Imagine with me a clear, star-filled night. You are surrounded by sheep as far as the eye can see. Nearby is the lead shepherd and he is keeping watch over the flock. It is so quiet that not even the animals are making a noise. From a distance, you start to notice something quite strange. At first, you can’t tell what it is but as time moves forward, it gets brighter and brighter.

It is still so quiet that you could hear a pebble hit the ground. Little do you know, that is all about to change. The light is now so bright that you have to shield your eyes. The starry night now appears to be as bright as day. Right above you is what appears to be a man in a robe.

The only problem…okay, one of the many problems with this would be that this creature is flying and not walking.  Suddenly, the creature speaks;

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

The sky lights up even brighter and there are hundreds upon hundreds of the same creature flying saying;

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

And just as fast as the bright lights came, the men in robes disappeared and it was all over. The stillness of the night returned. Obviously, there was way too much excitement to fall asleep. The men got up and went to the town of David.

Could you imagine how these men felt? The announcement was not given to any royalty. No noblemen received the news. As a matter of fact, these men were low on the socioeconomic totem pole. They had to have felt not just honored but in complete amazement! God chose the most unlikely audience to announce the arrival of His only Son!

If God can look upon a shepherd to give him the most important news of a lifetime, how much more would God be willing to choose you?