For All The People

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”  Luke 2:8-14

I think the shepherds must have wondered later—why would the angels come to them? They were not important, famous people. They were certainly not rich. They had jobs that required them to work hard when everyone else was asleep, out in the weather. Some people even looked down on them because their work forced them to miss worship.

This sounds to me a bit like the way some people feel about refugees and immigrants in America. So many work in factories or doing minimum wage jobs, though in their home countries they may have been doctors or military commanders. But here they may be looked down on, just as the shepherds were.

But not by God. God chose humble people to be the first to learn about his Son Jesus—who was born to a humble family himself. And God sent his angels to announce the good news of a Savior—one who would be for ALL the people. Not just Americans. Not just English speakers. Not just the rich or the educated or the respected. All people—including us.

Dear Father, thank you for sending your Son for us! Bless those who are having a hard time in their new country, and bring them to know the Good News of Jesus. Amen.

By Dr. Kari Vo