Angels We Have Heard on High

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." -Luke 2:8-10
 
  Why were the angels chosen as the first to hear the good news of the birth of the Savior? After all, they were considered unclean because of their work, outcasts of society. Warren Wiersbe writes that it was a revelation of God's grace to mankind. Jesus did not come to "call the rich and mighty; He calls the poor and the lowly." 
 Jesus was not only called the Good Shepherd; He was also the Lamb of God who came to be the final sacrifice for the sins of man. "It was fitting that the good news about God's Shepherd and Lamb be given first to humble shepherds". (WW)
"'Fear not!' is one of the key themes of the Christmas story. Literally the angel said, 'I announce to you good news, a great joy which shall be to all the people.'" The gift of the Savior is for everyone! What an amazing gift!
 

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