Even though the sheep they take care of are for temple sacrifices and meals of the priests, even the priests don't much like to be around them.
Actually, they're not very welcome in the temple. The religious people let them into the outer courtyard of the temple, but that's all.
Once when they had their sheep out in the hills for several week, they were in for the surprise of their life. They would never, ever forget this surprise.
Suddenly an angel actually appeared in front of them. He was full of light, and he was laughing in happiness. "The Son of God has just been born in Bethlehem!" he announced proudly.
Then he was joined by so many other angels, no one could ever county them. All of them began singing "Glory to God in heaven, and peace on earth!"
Finally the angels disappeared. The shepherds put their sheep in a cave for protection, then rushed back to Bethlehem to see the new-born king of the world.
Even though it was in themiddle of the night, they kept waking people up asking, "Where is the new-born king?" No one knew what they are talking about.
Finally they saw a light in a barn. They went to it and knocked. Joseph answered and let them in. He awoke Mary so she could show them baby Jesus.
They knelt in front of the baby and thanked God for sending Jesus to the world to save them all. Then they left.
As they headed toward the gate of the city, they shouted trying to wake people up. "Our new king was just born! Come, everyone! We know where he is!"
But no one believed these dirty, smelly shepherds. They just called out to them from their houses to be quiet so they could sleep. So the shepherds left Bethlehem happy they'd seen Jesus, but sad that no one else did.
Do you know anyone you would like to invite to go to church with you? Or do you not go to church, but have a friend who does?
Will you call your friend and ask him or her if you could go to church together next time? God accepts everyone. Even ordinary people. Or maybe he accepted everyone, especially ordinary people.