Advent Calendar 2.3

Week Two: Peace: Day Three

Did you ever wonder why the message of “peace on earth, goodwill to men” was given to the shepherds?  Why shepherds?  I think it’s because they were humble people.  I think humble people care more about peace than the rich.  The rich can buy themselves safety, but it’s the poor of the world who suffer the most from warfare and oppression.  They are usually the ones who suffer injustice–the rich can buy themselves justice.  And God has a soft spot in His heart for the poor and downtrodden.  So I think the angels were letting the shepherds know that the humble folk weren’t forgotten.

Luke 2:8

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

(You  can hear the following hymn here.)

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around,
And glory shone around.

“Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind.
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind
To you and all mankind.

“To you, in David’s town, this day
Is born of David’s line
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign,
And this shall be the sign.

“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid,
And in a manger laid.”

“All glory be to God on high,
And to the Earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from Heaven to men
Begin and never cease,
Begin and never cease!”