Extraordinary News Delivered to the Ordinary

By Danny Saavedra

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”—Luke 2:8–9 (NIV)

Who usually gets important news first? Presidents. Royal families. CEOs. Influencers with millions of followers. The rich, the powerful, the well-connected. They’re the ones who get the “breaking news” alerts first.

Do you know who isn’t on that list? Shepherds. They were ordinary men doing an ordinary job . . . uneducated, unshaven, and unclean. Ironically, the same men who raised the lambs for temple sacrifices weren’t even allowed to enter the temple themselves. They were considered too dirty, too common, too unworthy to step foot in the place of worship. Yet on the night Jesus was born, God chose them to hear the greatest announcement in history.

One moment, the night was quiet and still; the next, it was ablaze with the glory of God. An angel appeared, declaring, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10 NIV). Then the sky exploded with light and sound . . . “a vast host of heaven’s armies,” Scripture says, praising God and singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:14 NIV).

Heaven’s highest praise was announced to earth’s lowest people. The armies of heaven declared that peace had come to earth, that salvation had entered the story, that God’s favor now rested on humanity through His Son.

That’s the heart of the gospel, isn’t it? The message that the Savior has come isn’t reserved for the powerful, the polished, or the privileged. It’s for everyone who humbles themselves and surrenders their lives to Him. In Matthew 16:24–25 (NIV), Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

When the angels disappeared, the shepherds didn’t hesitate. They said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened” (Luke 2:15 NIV). They left their flocks behind to find the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. And when they saw Him, they couldn’t keep it to themselves—they spread the word about all they had seen and heard.

The shepherds remind us that God delights in revealing His glory to the willing, not the worthy. That same invitation still goes out to us today. God’s glory didn’t come to the palace of Caesar but to a pasture. He didn’t send angels to priests, but to shepherds who smelled like sheep. Heaven’s announcement of peace was never about status, but surrender.

So this Christmas, whether you feel overlooked or unseen, remember: The God who filled the sky with light that night still comes close to those who watch and wait in the dark. The highest King was born in the lowest place so no one would ever doubt they are welcome at His feet. His glory still shines in unlikely places. His good news is still for all people.

Put It To Practice: Sabbath

The Sabbath is all about intentional rest. God established the Sabbath after finishing His work of creation, and He commanded us to keep the Sabbath holy as a set apart experience of resting in Him. Everyone rests differently! Whatever it may look like for you, practice Sabbath this weekend by doing something that brings you joy and honors God.

For the Family

Today’s Main Idea: God shared the good news of Jesus’ birth with ordinary people like shepherds to show that His love is for everyone.

Ask Together:

1. Why do you think God chose the shepherds first?
2. What does it tell us about His heart for all people?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that Your good news isn’t just for the important or impressive. Thank You that You came for all people who would be willing and humble to surrender themselves to Your Son. Thank You for meeting us in our ordinary moments and filling us with Your glory. Help me to listen when You speak and to share what You’ve done in my life with joy and boldness. Like the shepherds, let me go and tell the world that peace has come through Jesus. Amen.