Carl had to adjust his eyes when the bright light was turned on. It was clear he had been woken from a deep dream. The light made him shake his head and get his bearings.
Just as Carl had to adjust to the light, I can’t imagine what the shepherds in the field thought when they were awoken on that Christmas morning so many years ago.
Luke 2:9-11 states, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
It is hard to imagine how the shepherds must have reacted to the appearance of the angels. Given that they were the outcasts of society, they probably were pinching themselves and questioning why would God send His messengers to us with the news of His Son?
We may ask the same question. Why would God send His Son into the world to be born in a smelly stall by a teen age peasant? And instead of sending his angels to more reputable people, he chose the lowest of all the social classes to share in this miracle.
Why is it such good news to know that Jesus wasn’t born a king but a peasant? Because it allows every person who ever walked, walks, and will walk on this earth an opportunity for a relationship with Him.
If He had come as nobility, it would have portrayed a God who only felt a certain social class was worthy of His salvation. Instead, He entrusted the news of His Son’s birth to shepherds.
As Carl adjusted his eyes to the light, it was clear that he was wide awake and watching my every move. Once I began to leave the room, he jumped off the couch and followed me down the hall. Just as Carl followed me, I am sure the shepherds had all the sheep follow them into Bethlehem to witness the miracle that would change the world.