Why Did Angels Appear to Shepherds?

We just can’t have a Christmas play without angels appearing to shepherds, can we? Why is that? Angels appeared to these shepherds to announce the birth of Christ (Lk 2:8-9). The prophet Micah stated the Messiah’s first coming would be announced at Migdal Eder, the watchtower of the flock (Mi 4:8) which is just a mile or so outside the city of Bethlehem, the place of the Messiah’s prophesied birth (Mi 5:2). However, this was not a common watchtower, but the watchtower used by the shepherds who tended the sheep for the temple sacrifices. Plus, these were not just ordinary shepherds, but were trained in rabbinical teachings for what type of animals were needed for sacrifice. Just any lamb would not do. These special shepherds cared for special sheep. The lambs were watched from birth and raised with utmost care because they were to be utilized as the national Passover lamb or other designated sacrifices. They had to be certified as healthy and be without blemish to qualify for their use as such a sacrifice. The pregnant sheep was brought to the tower, so the lamb’s birth could be overseen and to ensure nothing happen to the lamb which would mar it. The newborn lambs were even wrapped in swaddling clothes to keep them still and to prevent them from hurting themselves. The code for sacrificial animals was strict and so utmost care was taken to ensure their wellbeing.

As you can see, there is much symbolism here. The Messiah was born at or near the place where Passover lambs were born and cared for. And we later see that Christ was presented on the tenth day of the first month at the time Passover lambs were sequestered to ensure they were without blemish before they were sacrificed, and he was then sacrificed on the cross on the fourteenth day of the first month, i.e., Passover. So, it was very apropos that Christ was born here.

An angel appeared to these special shepherds near Migdal Elder and told them of Christ’s birth at Bethlehem (Lk 2:8-11). The angel then announced that the sign to them of the fulfillment of his announcement would be that they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger (Lk 2:12). That is, just what they did for newborn lambs destined for sacrifice. Then there were a host of angels who appeared and praised God stating, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Lk 2:13-14). God was pleased to give this gift to mankind.

You see, God does nothing in a haphazard way. He has a purpose for everything, and, usually, not just a single purpose. He truly is God of the impossible and miraculous.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens