The Power is in the Message

And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (Luke 2:18 NKJV)

It's amazing how a scripture we've read many times can unexpectedly take on new meaning.  I was reading what I think of as the Linus monologue, Luke 2:8-14, and continued reading further in the chapter.  When I got to verse 18, it struck me that everyone marveled at the message they received from the shepherds.  I've heard teachings and sermons that talk about the low esteem attached to the position of shepherd.  And that's easy to believe.  We're told in verse 8 that the shepherds were hanging out with the sheep in the field during the night.  That doesn't sound the least bit glamourous.  I would imagine the shepherds didn't smell too good.  Nevertheless these lowly shepherds were the first to receive the news about the birth of Jesus...from a multitude of angels no less!  After they visited the Christ child, they went about sharing the message they received from the angels.  And "all those who heard it marveled."  The shepherds weren't anyone extraordinary, but they carried extraordinary news from an extraordinary God.  And so it is with us.