Advent: Hope in the Waiting by Wycliffe Bible TranslatorsSample

The Excitement of Ordinary Shepherds

Have you ever felt unqualified for what God has called you to do? You’re not alone. Throughout Scripture, God works through ordinary people — like the shepherds who first heard of Jesus’ birth.

On a quiet night outside Bethlehem, shepherds stood watch over their sheep. “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified ...” (Luke 2:9, NLT).

These humble people became the first to hear history’s greatest news: The Messiah was born! They rushed to see Jesus and couldn’t keep the news to themselves. They boldly proclaimed Jesus’ birth, and those who heard their story marveled at it (Luke 2:18).

For centuries, God’s people had been waiting for the promised Savior. But that night, the waiting ended, and hope was fulfilled. The shepherds’ joy was founded on the overwhelming realization that God had kept His promise.

Like the shepherds, you have been given the opportunity to share the Good News with others!

It’s easy to assume God would only choose the qualified or powerful to be His messengers. Yet, He often works through those who feel unworthy. He called Moses, who doubted his speaking ability (Exodus 4:10). He honored a rejected woman who anointed Jesus (Luke 7). He transformed Paul, a former persecutor, into a messenger of the gospel (Acts 22). He welcomed children when others dismissed them (Matthew 19:14).

God equips those He calls who are faithful to answer. He is uniquely preparing you to share His Word and participate in the work He is doing around the world.

On that night of Jesus’ birth, hope was no longer a distant promise for the shepherds — it had come to earth in the form of the Messiah. The shepherds responded right away; they went to see Jesus, and they couldn’t keep the news to themselves! Their waiting turned into worship, and their ordinary lives were filled with new purpose.

You’ve been entrusted with the Good News. Even if you feel unqualified or unsure, God invites you to step forward in faith just like the shepherds did.

Reflection:

• God chose ordinary people — shepherds, carpenters, fishermen and unlikely messengers — to carry His message. How can that knowledge give you hope in the midst of your own circumstances today?
• The shepherds’ initial response to the angel was fear, but it quickly turned to action and joy. How might God be calling you to overcome fears and step forward in faith?
• The shepherds couldn’t keep the good news of Jesus’ birth to themselves; they boldly proclaimed it to everyone they met. How does knowing Christ inspire you to share His love with others?
• Why do you think God chose this specific time and place and these shepherds to proclaim the news of Jesus’ birth? What does this reveal about His heart for the world and the way He works?