That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:8-10‬ (‭NLT‬‬)

The message the angels brought wasn’t  just to certain poor shepherds. It was for all people – to bring them great joy. 

It’s beautiful that this message came from the highest – the very court of Heaven – to the lowest – the shepherds in the fields outside the city. Minding their sheep in the middle of the night. Poor men who wouldn’t be welcome in the high courts of their own country. 

This tells us something about who God is. God is One who likes to take the unexpected route. When the birth of God’s is announced it’s announced to the least of society. When the resurrection happens, it is first witnessed by women who must take the Good News to the doubting and disheartened disciples. 

God likes to work with the least and the lowest to accomplish his plans. I love that, because it makes the point that in God’s eyes the lowest and the least have a part to play – and a crucial part at that. In God’s eyes the labels pasted on us by others don’t count for much. In God’s eyes, it’s where your heart is at that matters. God requires a believing heart and a willing spirit and not a whole lot else. 

So this Advent may you know that however humble your station in life might be, God has a part for you to play. May you see others with the eyes of God – looking at their heart rather than their position. And may you know the Good News of great joy that was (and is) for ALL the people.