In Luke 2:8-20, the first witnesses of Jesus’ birth aren’t priests or politicians or merchants. They are shepherds, who were among the lowest class, usually young and poor.
Shepherds had many things to fear, including wild animals, bandits, sudden storms, discrimination, injury, and illness. When an angel of the Lord stood before them shining with glory, the shepherds were so surprised they couldn’t even register joy. Luke says: “They were terrified” (2:9).
The angels’ “Do not be afraid” is coupled with good news: “…to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior” (Luke 2:11). The “you” is repeated twice so there can be no confusion. It would be easy for the shepherds to think this good news was intended for someone else, someone with more learning or power or prestige or holiness. Or perhaps someone less fearful. But the angels make it plain: This good news is for them and “for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Without any effort or deserving, these lowly ones are given the promise. All they have to do is witness to it.
This message is excerpted from the Bible study “Fear not” by Katie Hines-Shah in the December 2018 Gather magazine. Today is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Today is Christmas Eve.
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