The Saviour of the world had been born.  His incarnation was so significant that God sent an angel to announce the birth to shepherds (Luke 2:8-10).  Those verses record that the Messiah's arrival was to be good news for every people-group.  But then unsophisticated farm workers were told that Jesus had been born to them personally.  They were instructed to go to meet Him.  The shepherds were certainly not dressed for a royal visit, so perhaps they were reassured that there was no need to change their clothes when they heard that they were looking for a swaddled baby, lying where the animals were fed.

Jesus was described as a descendent of David the king, yet the angel said He is also the Messiah from God.  He was the Lord, the ruler of all people.  In Him, the long line of covenant promises from Abraham through David, fused together.  Jesus was the Messiah - the incarnation of God who fulfils every promise (2 Corinthians 1:20).  But the shepherds were not put off.  They were told three times that Jesus was for them; and that they were expected to find Him.  They had their own unique encounter with Jesus: but Jesus had not only come for them, but for everybody, irrespective of their nationality, tribal loyalty or culture.

Many people find the humility of the manger difficult to bring together with the majesty of its occupant.  But Jesus started on earth as an outcast, was hunted as a dangerous rival, continued as a refugee, and spent the best part of 30 years in obscurity.  He completed His mission with a slow painful execution as a common criminal.  Yet He came to save the overloaded businessman, the proud king, the civil servant, fellow tradespeople, religious police, professional soldiers and even executioners.  They could all have received God's blessing by welcoming Jesus, but most were too proud (Luke 1:53).

On the other hand, the shepherds who knew they were nothing special … were obedient.  Humble sinners went to meet the humble Saviour.  In fact, you cannot come to Christ in any other way (see www.crosscheck.org.uk to know more). Although God's invitation is to all, only the humble listen and respond (Psalm 34:2).  The Holy Spirit works to convict us of sin, so that we realise that we need God's mercy.  Humble people will plead for mercy and will accept free salvation; but the proud will use confidence or competence as a mask for arrogance and will disqualify themselves from God's grace.  So, let us stay humble ourselves, and pray that the proud will humble themselves to seek the Lord before it is too late.