by Commissioner Heidi Bailey, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries
A few months ago our friends couldn’t wait to share the news they were going to be grandparents and proudly showed us the ultrasound of the baby. Of course, we couldn’t help but share their great news with others. God chose the least likely people to share the magnificent announcement of the birth of His Son.
According to Luke 2:8-12, there were sheepherders camped out in the neighborhood when, oddly enough, an angel of the Lord joined them. The sky lit up in a blaze of God’s glory, and the shepherds were speechless.
At God’s reveal party, the angel exclaimed, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, world-wide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” (The Message)
So why were the sheepherders picked to share this event with others? In modern terms, they would be blue-collar workers with no influence to speak of and largely unnoticed by those in power. Did the shepherds deserve such a privilege? No, they didn’t, but it was for their joy.
It’s still true today. Though we are undeserving, God has chosen to reveal Himself to us for our joy and His glory. So, this Christmas organize your own reveal party and share your great news about the Savior with others, especially the unnoticed and the marginalized—for their joy and His glory!
