Perhaps that was the perception of many people toward those shepherds on the hills of Bethlehem who were tending the temple sheep. Other than for the wild animals that might attempt to attack the flock, there was not much excitement in the life of those men. Yet how important was their task; God was giving them time to think on Him and the Scriptures as they watched over their sheep. The sheep in their care were special, in that these were the ones sold in the temple for the sin sacrifice that depicted the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. These animals had to be without blemish, without spot, representing the sinless Son of God. Who would have anticipated that the angel heralds would announce to these men the birth of the Savior?
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”(Luke 2:8-10 KJV)
Surely it could have been announced before royalty for in His humanity, He was descended from David. Matthew in his gospel confirms the genealogy
… “the book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”(Matt 1:1 KJV)
He was rightly proclaimed King of the Jews even by unbelieving Pilate --
… “And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”(Luke 23:38 NASB)
Surely His birth could have been announced to the religious leadership of the nation for He was a High Priest from the order of Melchizedek.
“The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, "Thou art a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”(Ps. 110:4 NASB)
But no, the angelic choir heralded His birth to those who were low in the social strata of the nation. Their line of work did not permit them the prestige that men seek in life. Their work was characterized by a leathered appearance, lacking personal comforts and social acceptance. However, they were spiritually prepared to receive and act on what they heard and observed.
“And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us. "And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.”(Luke 2:15-17NASB)
The world looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the inward thoughts and motivations.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”(I Sam 16:7 NASB)
Those who mankind degrade and reject are often the very ones who respond to the manifestation of God’s love and grace. So it was true on that first Christmas Eve. The birth of the Savior was announced to those who were seeking Him. They understood from the Scriptures the significance of the sheep they were tending. How true is the statement -- wise men still seek Him. He came for the purpose of going to the Cross that He might bear our sins and offer to every individual the free gift of eternal life through faith in Christ. What wondrous love and grace was announced that night. The Apostle John expressed it this way --
… “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the uniquely born One of the Father,) full of grace and Truth.”(John 1:14)