Why would God choose the shepherds?

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. (Luke 2:8-9)

 According to some historians, shepherds at that time were considered the lowest of the low. The term used for them by the Pharisees is translated in the English Bible as “sinners.” It was a derogatory term meaning vile and unclean. They would not be seen as worthy to even offer a sacrifice to God, much less be the VIPs representing humanity at His arrival ceremony on earth.
 By today’s standards that might equate to an angelic choir appearing to a group of homeless people sleeping on the street in cardboard boxes or camped out under a highway overpass. God looks at the heart. It doesn’t matter to Him if someone is dressed in rags or royal robes.
 Why would God choose the shepherds? Why would He offer this priceless privilege to these who were so unworthy in man’s eyes? Perhaps because He knew they would believe with pure and simple faith.
 Not only were the shepherds honored by God, but they were also given the responsibility—as well as the privileged task—of spreading the good news to others.
 We can follow God’s example of witnessing by giving Jesus’ message freely, regardless of what people look like or what their social status may be. Let Him stir your heart to carry His love to others who need it. —Maria Fontaine [1]

 Let us pray that we shall be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas—not in the cold manger of our heart but in a heart full of love and humanity, a heart warm with love for one another. —Mother Teresa

[1] Anchor Those Dirty Shepherds