The announcement of Jesus’ arrival comes to an unlikely group: the

shepherds. This rag-tag group were often looked down on, forgotten, and

considered to be far from religious or noble. Yet the greatest announcement

in the history of the world comes to them, not to the rich and powerful but

to the lowly shepherds. It suggests to us that God hasn’t forgotten the

least of us – to him, we are unforgettable. We are favored, not forgotten

by the Messiah who ushers in the age of favor and forgiveness. When we

grasp it, it causes joy in us to overflow. Joy that sustains in hardship.

Joy that is rooted in God’s faithfulness. We were destined for joy.