I think it’s incredible that the birth of Jesus was revealed to shepherds! At the time of Jesus’ birth, so many amazing men and women of God were available to reveal Jesus’ impending arrival. Some were great rabbis and sages who wrote the Talmud, including Hillel, a Jewish scholar. He was a foremost master of biblical commentary and interpreter of Jewish tradition. There were also many high priests of the temple around. The Zealots were ready to lay down their lives for Israel, and the Essenes were similar to monks who constantly prayed and sought after God. No, the birth of Jesus was revealed to a group of children out in the field caring for the sheep — the shepherds. 

Most of us usually picture these shepherds as middle-age to older men in robes with white beards and canes. But a first-century citizen would have imagined a teenage girl! If you ask Bible scholars, they say that 90 percent of shepherding was handled by adolescent girls between 15 to 17 years old, or perhaps 10, 11, and 12-year-old boys. 

Friend, it’s so amazing that the birth of Jesus was revealed to shepherds! They were not considered the elite of society. They were not known for their experience, power, or wealth. But God, in His great grace and wisdom, used these humble, young shepherds to spread the good news of the birth of Jesus!