These were lowly shepherds being rewarded for their humility with this incredible message. The humble shepherds out tending their sheep were given the gift of being able to observe and participate in this world-changing event. 

Luke 2:8: (NASB) “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.”

Hope was about to be revealed, and that would bring rejoicing. True rejoicing in something works best with those who are sincere, who work hard and have relatively simple lives. These shepherds were simple, hardworking people. They were chosen to be a witness to and then proclaim this announcement for the ages of the birth of the Messiah.

Luke 2:9-15: (KJV) “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” 

There are seven points described here: 
1. Fear not – God is a God of love and not a God of torment. 
2. Good news – The original gospel. 
3. Great joy – What hope! 
4. All people – Who is left out? No one! Good news for everyone who has ever lived. 
5. A Savior – Messiah, the son of God, became a perfect man. 
6. Glory to God in the highest – He deserves our praise for this amazing plan. 
7. On earth, peace and goodwill toward men – The future peaceable kingdom on earth with Jesus as the king. 

Humble shepherds were sent to verify everything the angels told Mary and Joseph. Why shepherds?  King David was a shepherd on these same hills around the city of David. What would Jesus become? The Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20-21)! Only God could give us all these beautiful connections.

The shepherds simply and joyfully responded to this message because the hope they had seen was powerful, of divine origin and certain.  They were given a gift of such magnitude they had to witness it in person. They listened to the angel: Luke 2:16-18: (KJV) “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” 

The shepherds courageously set out to deliver the good news they had seen. Their rejoicing could not be contained: Luke 2:15-16: (NASB) “When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us. So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as he lay in the manger.”

These shepherds knew they were part of something much bigger than they had ever conceived to be possible. They acted in faith right away and found Mary and Joseph. 

We are not told how many shepherds there were, but their lives changed. Normally they would keep to themselves, but they stepped out of their occupation and into the role of God’s messengers.  Shepherds weren’t the kind of group people would normally pay attention to, but they shared the miracles anyway. They were emboldened to speak out about the stunning event and the miraculous announcement that they had been a part of. 

Luke 2:17-18: (NASB) “When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.”   

They not only went to see the baby; they told people about what they had witnessed. Zacharias and Elizabeth, Joseph and Mary, the wise men and shepherds – God gave all of these people the opportunity to be a part of this incredible event. They all displayed humility and the desire to serve God, which is the essence of the account of the birth of Jesus.

We, too, have seen the grandeur of the gospel message. We, too, have been invited to be a part of that message and share the goodness with others!

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1209: “How Do We Keep Christmas About Jesus?”
Remembering the inspiring events surrounding the birth of Jesus
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes