Hearing Amazing News
It is an honor when someone trusts us to hear the happy news that they are feeling. If we were the first to hear the news. Then imagine how the shepherds felt when the Angels announced the birth of the Savior to them. Of course there was a feeling that is difficult to describe. Happiness and amazement intertwined in the minds of the shepherds. While asking what God meant from all these events.
What is no less interesting is what God really meant by involving the shepherds as the first witnesses of the birth of Christ. If the scribes, Pharisees, or palace officials had the honor of being the first witnesses and witnesses to the birth of Christ, perhaps the testimony they would proclaim would have more credibility. Meanwhile, shepherds have a bad stereotype in the midst of the social order at that time. They are the lowest class citizens, hired shepherds, people on the outskirts. Even in the court system at that time, the testimony of the shepherds was rejected because it was considered dishonest and untrustworthy. In other words, the shepherds were included in the group of people who were marginalized at that time.
Isn't it a waste of trust in this marginalized group to entrust something so great (the news of the birth of the Messiah)? The common worldview might enforce this, but often the gospel message is a form of resistance and challenge to worldly values. This is what the Gospel of Luke wants to portray. The selection of the shepherds as witnesses and first witnesses of His birth is like a teaser of the work of the Messiah that will be done later. He is present for those who are marginalized and excluded. He proclaims liberation to those who need it most. So it is very natural that people like the shepherds who were marginalized were chosen by God to be witnesses and give testimony about His son.
Contemplating the Response of the Shepherds
God gave news to the shepherds through His angels. The news that was delivered describes the heavenly joy of the birth of the Son of God. The heavenly armies praised and glorified God. Salvation finally came and was directed to all nations. The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, known as the city of David. The sign of the birth of the Messiah was not a magnificent palace but a manger, an object familiar to the shepherds. As if to say that the savior who was born would be close to their daily lives, ordinary people in general. After hearing this news without a long debate, one of the shepherds said loudly: "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened there, which the Lord has made known to us." From the words used we can see the alertness of the shepherds. They immediately went to Bethlehem. Signifying the great joy they felt over God's promise that had been fulfilled.
When they arrived in Bethlehem they managed to meet Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Everything they heard from the Angel was conveyed at that time. Mary pondered and kept all the testimonies in her heart. Later, the testimonies became seeds that would later bear fruit at the right time. Like the word of God that was sown, grew, and bore fruit abundantly.
The end of the story of the shepherds shows their very authentic emotions. They returned home full of joy because God revealed the truth to them. People who have been distrusted and looked down upon are actually valued and given such great honor by God. Imagine the story of joy that will spread from the mouths of the shepherds about God's actions. The Messiah has come and embraced everyone.
Good News for Everyone
Through the story of the shepherds we understand that the joyful news of the presence of the Messiah should be joyful news for everyone. His birth breaks down the barriers and walls that limit love between people. Those who are marginalized find a place in salvation and are used by God to be witnesses of the salvation that has come. This is the good news that we should celebrate every Christmas.
When Christmas comes, our memories return to the birth of the Messiah who embraces everyone. First of all by approaching those who are sinful and marginalized. The joy of Christmas should not pass in a quickly forgotten frenzy, but rather give birth to a new commitment in proclaiming the good news of God's salvation. We are all witnesses to the good news. Truly, the Savior has been born. Let us welcome it with great fanfare and in love that is proclaimed to everyone.
According to the story of the pastor, we should understand that salvation means restoration and liberation for all of us who are shackled in sin and plagued by separation from others.
Things to Ponder:
How do we proclaim the good news of God's salvation in the context of today's world?
