“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  Luke 2:8-11

God chose to reveal the birth of the Savior to simple shepherds.  They were simply herding their sheep.  Why didn’t God reveal this announcement to Kings and Pharisees and Scribes?  Why shepherds?

That God chose simple shepherds to be the first to know of the birth of the Savior is even more strange by human standards because in Israel, shepherding was a lowly task. Shepherds had not been schooled in the law and thus were considered ignorant. Their work made them ceremonially unclean. According to one Jewish treatise, shepherds were not trustworthy enough to be used as witnesses. According to another, help was not to be offered to shepherds and heathen.

God chose shepherds to show that the gospel is for the simple and common man.  The sophisticated and scholarly sometimes miss the truth of it.  God puts His cookies on the bottom shelf.  (John Reisinger said that all the time.)

I am so grateful for the condescension of our Lord Jesus Christ in coming into this world in order to rescue sinners such as we are.  What an amazing gift to this sin-darkened world.  God was robed in flesh and came to identify with us in order to redeem his people.  “His name shall be called Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21.

Thank you dear Church family for your kind and generous gift to Bonnie and me.  These Twenty-seven years have been the most wonderful years of our lives.  You have provided for us in our greatest needs both physically and spiritually.  We have rejoiced together and wept together.  Our lives will forever we joined together both here and in eternity.  We love you with all our hearts.   May our Savior be your constant joy.

Ron & Bonnie McKinney