“For me the shepherds represent the sweetest part of the Nativity It shows the love of God for everyone”
Amen to THAT! I think it is also very important to consider the fact that the news of the Saviour being born was NOT first revealed to the “Religious Leaders.” You might think that this astonishing event, the birth of the Messiah, would be told FIRST to the Chief Rabbai, who in turn would reveal it to the people. NOT so ! Something has changed - a new era had begun.
Jesus would often speak of Himself as the Good Shephard and His followers were His sheep who knew His voice. This event sets the stage for His Ministry as the Lamb of God.
You might also think that if those “religious leaders” had been up on their toes (considering the Bible predicted where and when), they would have beaten the shepherds (who needed an angelic annunciation) to the manger. Why hadn’t they welcomed Joseph and Mary when they first arrived in Bethlehem?