They look quaint on Christmas cards, but in the first century no one wanted them around – the shepherds occupied one of the lowliest places in first century society. Spending all their time in fields with dirty, smelly sheep, shepherds were not the sort of people that you would want at your Christmas party! Yet the shepherds were the first to be invited by God to visit the infant Jesus. Their approach to the manger proclaims that Jesus welcomes the lowly and the outsider.This is a message we need to hear today! In times when we are feeling unworthy and unacceptable, we need to hear God’s angels inviting us to come into the presence of Christ. And in times when we see others around us who are being excluded or looked down upon, we are called to be that voice of welcome. The good news of Christmas is that Christ has come to welcome all people into the love and promises of God. As the angel said, “Behold I bring you good news of great joy that shall be to all people, for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:10-11)

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This is a message we need to hear today! In times when we are feeling unworthy and unacceptable, we need to hear God’s angels inviting us to come into the presence of Christ. And in times when we see others around us who are being excluded or looked down upon, we are called to be that voice of welcome. The good news of Christmas is that Christ has come to welcome all people into the love and promises of God. As the angel said, “Behold I bring you good news of great joy that shall be to all people, for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:10-11)

Sunday’s Scripture Reading
Luke 2:8–20

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About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.