How the Shepherds Teach Us Joy On Christmas
Shepherds Teach Us Joy
When we think of Christmas, the shepherds often come to mind as part of the nativity story. But have you ever stopped to wonder why God chose to include them in such a monumental moment? The angels didn’t bring the message to kings or priests. God sent them to humble shepherds. And the details of the shepherds teach us joy.
The inclusion of shepherds in the birth of Jesus carries a powerful message. Shepherds teach us joy in a way that’s both humbling and transformative. If we’re looking for joy this Christmas, pay attention to the account of the shepherds.
The Joy of the Shepherds
The shepherds in the field that night were the first to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth. The angels proclaimed:
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
Can you imagine their awe and joy? These were men often overlooked by society. They were unclean, uneducated, and far removed from religious and social circles. And yet, God chose them to be the first witnesses to the arrival of the Messiah. The story of these humble shepherds teaches us joy by showing that God’s good news is for everyone.
Why Shepherds?
In first-century Jewish culture, shepherds were not highly esteemed. Their work often kept them away from the temple and unable to fully observe the Sabbath, which made them appear irreligious. The Pharisees and religious elite dismissed them as unworthy.
But God had a different perspective. The shepherds’ inclusion in the nativity reveals God’s heart for the humble and outcast. Just as Jesus would later call Himself the Good Shepherd (John 10:14-15), it was fitting that God would first announce His arrival to those who tended sheep. Through their story, shepherds teach us joy by reminding us that humility and faith are what truly matter to God.
The Underdog Story
Choosing shepherds over priests or kings highlights the amazing truth that God’s standards are not the world’s standards. He values humility over status, faith over knowledge, and a willing heart over outward appearances.
The Pharisees, in their pride, would not have experienced the same joy as the shepherds. They were waiting for a Messiah who would validate their importance. But the shepherds, in their humility, received the news with pure, unrestrained joy. In this way, shepherds teach us the joy that comes from receiving God’s grace with open hearts.
Joy for All of Us
God’s choice of shepherds is a reminder that no matter how overlooked or undervalued we may feel, we are seen and loved by Him. It’s a message of hope for every underdog and outcast. The shepherds’ story reminds us that the joy of Christmas is for everyone, especially for those in humble circumstances.
“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”(1 Corinthians 1:27)
This Christmas, as we reflect on the birth of Christ, let the story of the shepherds remind us of God’s love for the humble and His invitation to experience His joy. When we embrace the Gospel with humility, just as the shepherds did, we discover the deep and abiding truth: shepherds teach us joy that transforms our hearts and lives.
Dive Deeper Into Scripture
Study the passage of this post further:
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- How does the shepherds’ story shape your understanding of God’s heart for the humble?
- What part of their joy resonates most with you this Christmas?
- How can you share the joy of Christ with someone who feels overlooked?
