In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2.8-14

Back in the seventies, Harry Chapin wrote a play called Cotton Patch Gospel. The play was based on the premise of Jesus' coming in rural Georgia. Bumpkins, hicks, and hayseeds. I was enthralled. The play made the gospel seem so relevant in what was then a new and exciting way. Today, it is not uncommon at all to see the dramatic arts in a church setting. Properly used, drama has a way of grabbing our attention and holding it, so that we all can gain a larger truth. But the play raised an interesting point. I think this passage highlights that point for us.

Why did the angels appear to shepherds out in the fields? After all, they could have appeared at the temple in Jerusalem, or even at King Herod's palace. My thought is perhaps a bit simplistic, but here it is anyway. Back then, shepherds were sort of on the low end of the social spectrum. They weren't quite as lowly as slaves, but they weren't too far off. I think the point is that the message of the Gospel is not merely for those who have the resources, but for ALL peoples.

Yes, the Gospel is for folks in America, and for folks in Afghanistan. The Gospel is for folks in Syria, Japan, China, Kenya, China; the list could go on and on. In short, the Gospel is for all those who will listen and believe.

Now, I may be wrong, but I don't think that we have any shepherds in our church. Personally, I don't think I know ANYONE who is a shepherd. I don't even like to be around sheep. We do, however, have people within our congregation that many would describe as poor. We have folks that have been homeless. When my wife and I were newly married, we had very little. Were it not for the grace of others, we may have gone hungry. Not that we are wealthy today, but we have been blessed of the Lord, as have many others in our congregation.

The message of the angels is clear. The truth of the Gospel is not about social status, it is about our Savior's love. Jesus did not come to change the social structure of the world. Jesus did not come to change a political climate. Jesus did not come to generate economic equality. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. Us. You and me.

No wonder the angels couldn't contain themselves! Our Advent challenge today? Let's join in with the heavenly host, singing Glory to God in the highest. And here on earth? Peace and good will to all those around us!

Weekly Memory Verse: For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1.37