And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:8 KJV
When I briefly worked from 11pm till 6 am, I found myself suddenly a part of an exclusive group of people who only see the world from mid-night till dawn. On the night that Jesus was born, just above Bethlehem were shepherds who were the third shift workers of their day. The more important shepherds got the first shift jobs. But in the darkness of that night, those unnamed and seemingly unimportant third shift shepherds were about to become the first people on earth to hear the good news of Jesus Christ! That message was that God had remembered His people, He remembered Bethlehem and He even remembered shepherds whom everyone else had forgotten.

Did you ever stop to think that God also remembers you? He is not satisfied to visit only the better homes in the better neighborhoods with the biggest churches with their beautiful appearances. Just as the shepherds were watching their flocks at night so God watches over us when we are going through the darkest moments of our lives. He knows right where we are. He hears us and He still sends angels with His message of good news. There is no better place than right where you are to hear the news; that Jesus Christ came to bring hope and salvation to us all: even to third shift shepherds out in their fields at night!
Amen, Pastor Pete. God often uses overlooked people to do His greatest work. Your posts at Christmas time are the best!
Thanks Dave. This one is a classic from a few years back. Have a good weekend.
Of course, He remembers everyone, but the Lord does tend to do things upside down from the way we would do them – “The last shall be first” and all that. How fitting that lowly shepherds (watching over the sacrificial lambs) would be the first to hear about birth of the Lamb of God.
Happy Advent, Pastor Pete. 🙂
Oh I didn’t think of it that some of them were raised for the altar. That’s perfect!
I made it through college on 3rd shift by night and college during the day. not much sleep. Great point that these were the lowly shepherds. It sure fits how God often does things.
Love the angle, and your point, Pete!
Thank you Mitch. I always appreciate your input. God bless
You too.