Great Joy for All People

There is nothing better than good news!

It does not matter how it comes, snail mail, telephone, face to face, television, text or even instant messaging… we love good news. Better still, is getting good news when it’s unexpected. We love surprises even more; if it is good news, that is. Take for example, the birth of a child. Awaiting the arrival of a child is one of the biggest surprises parents can face. They imagine a world that will include a son or a daughter. And now, after the application of widespread ultrasound technology into the field of obstetrics some 50 years ago now, the gender of their children can be determined with certainty, while the babe remains safely tucked in the womb. Yet, this knowledge comes with a price… no surprise ending. The big reveal is scaled back.

Speaking of surprises and the birth of babies; there is a wonderful story in the Bible that includes both. In ancient times and in a remote place, there was a particular group of shepherds, who just happened to be camping out in the open, taking care of their sheep. In this place, there were no barns or pens or protection for their wooly charges unless they slept with them.

This was their lot. Hard physical and mental labor. No benefits. No warm bed. No vacay or daily breaks. It was a twenty-four-hour duty to protect and care for one of the dumbest and flightiest species of animals on the planet. Take for example, if frightened, these animals will panic, readily fall onto their backs, and if no one is there to turn them over, they will die where they lie. Sheep are extremely anxious creatures scared of anything that moves, even running water. That said, this was Not a job that most people would choose. No fame, no glory, no big money would they earn, but they were doing it, working day in and day out… standing the night watch, not sleeping like everyone else, but devotedly watching out for bears, wolves, jackals, cats, hyenas, and other dangerous predators (Isaiah 11:6-7) eager for an easy meal, with only a cudgel in their hand. It was a hard life. Moreover, personal deprivation was also a job requirement. It was a hand-to-mouth existence, hungry all the time. Hardly time to prepare a hot meal and leisurely enjoy it. But I think worse of all is the fact that there was no change in sight, no future relief… No hope of rescue. Who would take on this burden and rescue them from this horrible existence? Most people would turn away, walk on by, pinching their noses in disgust. Those that spoke to a shepherd did so as an afterthought, not directly to them… they would say, “Walk faster…Let’s move, downwind…They smell, they smell bad. Can’t they take a bath.” Saying, words that cut like a blade… I am confident, shepherds longed for a world that included them, respected them, helped them or at least made their job a little easier; like bringing them a hot meal, giving them just a bit of love, kindness, gentleness, acceptance, and a sense of community from the people at large.

They did not complain, as they were employed and these shepherds differed from independent contractors managing local businesses. These shepherds were employed by corporate. They employed by the priests in the business of religion and the sheep they kept were “show animals”. They were to be nothing less than perfect. Outstanding confirmation, impeccable in appearance, and without blemish. The sheep were consumables, a corporate product for the sacrifices. Only flawless sheep could be accepted as offerings for temple worship. Thousands were needed to accommodate the large crowds who gathered for the high holiday.

But something happened and it was a surprise to all. Everything changed instantly—God appeared in that moment. God came and changed the status que. God decided that the shepherds needed a new perspective. He also decided that the shepherds would not only be acknowledged, but honored. God, more than not, chooses people like shepherds… lowly, humbled, powerless, poor, dirty, neglected, shunned, in need… in need of rescue and a hope for today, tomorrow, and eternity.

God searches the whole earth looking for one such as these: those searching for Him.

So, God showed up. The appearance of an angel made God’s glory known. A radiant, sacred light burst forth amid the cold, dark night, encircling a colossal entity from the heavenly realm. Overwhelmed by fear, they gazed upon the awe-inspiring sight.

“And the angel said, to them, ‘Do not fear! For behold, I proclaim good news to you, a GREAT JOY, which will be to ALL People because today a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord, was born to you in the city of David” (Luke 2:10-11, LITV).”

And if this wasn’t enough of a surprise to them, suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel messenger…

Praising God by saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to the people who enjoy His favor!’ When the angels left them and went back into heaven, the shepherds looked at each another and said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what has taken place that the Lord has told us.” So, they went quickly and found Mary and Joseph with the baby, who lying in a feeding trough. When they saw this, they repeated what they had been told about this child. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them (2: 13-18, LITV).”

Indeed, this was good news and the shepherds after encountering God were never the same. God loved them. They were honored above all others. Still to this day they lead us to the Christ child in a manger. What a spectacular gift! And just like the shepherds, God loves you too. Are you in need of God and searching for His rescue? Are you looking for an eternal hope for today, tomorrow, and for eternity? God has shown up. He may not have come to you in the form of an angel as He did for the shepherds, but He is here nevertheless. Don’t be afraid. The living God is tenderhearted and merciful, and He sees you even if you are smelly, rejected, and despised by others. Good news has come to all, let it fill you with GREAT JOY!