“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” (Luke 2:8-9).

I wonder why it is that the Lord reveals Himself to people of humble status in the beginning? Here in the Christmas story the angel revealed the birth of Christ to poor shepherds living in the fields with their sheep. 30+ years later, after Jesus was resurrected, He revealed that first to Mary Magdalene and some other unsuspecting women. And all were terrified and told not to be afraid.

For whatever God’s reasoning, the pattern has been set: He reveals Himself first to people in humble status, not the rich, powerful or influential. That’s us! Let’s follow God’s lead and pass the Good News on to others. That’s the message of Christmas.

New Year’s Resolution: Tell someone else about what Jesus has done for me every week.