The shepherds make an appearance in just about every Christmas carol, and they are usually paired up with the angels.

It’s because the angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds first.

I’ve put the whole story from Luke 2 below, but to quickly paraphrase, the shepherds are out grazing their sheep when one angel appears to them and announces Jesus’ birth and tells them where to go. And, like nearly every other time an angel appears in the Bible (or when God speaks) he starts with “Do not be afraid.”

But the shepherds were terrified of this one angel.

Then, before their eyes the heavens are filled with more angels. A multitude. Crammed into the sky from end to end and top to bottom they are singing both a farewell to Jesus as He leaves heaven. But also a song of annunciation, and hope.

Why did God choose the shepherds?

First, it is consistent with how God has always worked. He raises up the lowly to announce His work. He could have spoken directly to Pharaoh, but he used Moses instead. Part of this is just how God works.

But I think there is another reason. Should God reveal Himself to Kings and Rulers, it is very possible those powerful people would make that message about themselves, rather than about God’s revelation. So God gives His message to the lowly. We aren’t supposed to listen to them, but we are always blessed when we do.

We sing a version of this in the song Angels We have Heard on High.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo! (Glory to God in the Highest!)

God, as you revealed yourself to and through the shepherds, prepare our hearts to do the same. Let us not miss those messages you’ve given to the poor that are for our ears and hearts. Make us a blessing. Amen.

Luke 2:8-15 gives us the full story:

 ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 ¹⁵
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said
to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has
happened, which the Lord has told us about.”