Why the Shepherds First?

Why the Shepherds First?

The Birth of Jesus is so profound that it raises a lot of questions as to where and when.    “Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:  the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son , and shall name him Immanuel.”   (Is 7: 14).  The sign proposed by Isaiah was concerned with the preservation of Judah in the midst of distress.  (footnote to verse 7: 14).

“He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.  He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly.  The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.”  He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” (Lk 1: 51 - 55).  The announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds is in keeping with Luke’s theme that the lowly are singled out as the recipients of God’s favors and blessings.  (footnote to Mary’s Magnificat).

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.”  (Lk 4: 18a).    “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.”  (Lk 6: 20).   “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.  (Lk 7: 22).  “When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.”  (Lk 14: 13 - 14).  Lazarus and the rich man;  Abraham responded to the rich man who was in the underworld; "My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted, here, whereas you are tormented.”  (Lk 16: 25).  

Luke's main theme throughout his Gospel relied heavily on the Poor and we can begin to understand the very premise of the angels appearing to the shepherds, first.  God’s design was to announce the birth of his Son to the lowly shepherds who were considered as the least among all the people.    

It is significant then when God sent the angels to poor shepherds is the same as choosing the Mother of his Son who was not among the rich or arrogant class but as she spoke the words as a servant in a psalm of praise and fits well in his gospel of joy and exultation.  

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.  For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.  The mighty one has done great things for me. And holy is his name.  His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.”(Lk 1: 46 - 50).  The remaining words are above in paragraph 2. 

One need not be concerned with this incident of the shepherds first.  Each of us must also become poor in spirit if we are to understand the mission of Christ and what we are called to emanate as believers in Jesus Christ and his Passion for those who are poor, willingly.

Ralph B. Hathaway