"There were shepherds, abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night."
— Luke 2:8
Three of the greats in the history of Israel had been shepherds: Abraham, Moses and David. Yet by the time of Jesus' birth, some biblical scholars say, the profession was seen as unworthy.
They were certainly outcasts. They were homeless, abiding in the fields. They watched for an enemy that was prowling about in the darkness, ready to pounce on the weak and frail.
Although they faced down predators such as lions and bears on a regular basis, the awesome presence of angels had them cowering in fear so that angels had to tell them to not be afraid.
They were used to being afraid of people. The culture so reviled and shunned the shepherds that they were not even allowed to bear witness in a court of law.
But the God in heaven saw them, loved them, revered them, sent His Son to die for them. And so He chose them to bear witnesses of the greatest gift of all.
Do you feel unseen today? This God we worship who is great enough to have created the vast expanse of the heavens sees you, values you, knows your worth. He died for you.