As Christmas Eve approaches, local ministers agree on one thing, the Christmas Story still resonates.
Three local ministers agreed they especially liked the shepherds receiving the announcement from the angels in the night. Cookeville Baptist Church Senior Pastor Scott McKinney said the shepherds were on the outskirts of society.
“Christ didn’t come, or the announcement didn’t come to an elite group of people or just a certain segment of humanity, but coming to the shepherds,” McKinney said. “That message resonates with all people today.”
First United Pentecostal Church Lead Pastor Josh Hodum said it had been 400 years since the shepherds had heard a direct word from heaven, through prophets or otherwise.
“He come and made this announcement to them first to let them know who so ever will can have this joy, everybody, it’s for everybody,” Hodum said. “We also understand later when the wisemen came, but it was later, possibly years later when they came. So it went from the lowest of the class to the highest of the class.”
Algood United Methodist Church Lead Pastor Tommy Flood said he appreciates that the shephards were chosen to receive the message, as they are often the ones who do not feel they receive justice or do not feel involved with the comings and goings of everyday life.
“In the story, the Angel says that I bring you good news and joy for all the people,” Flood said.
Flood said America has a class society based on wealth, often ostracizing the homeless or passing judgement on them. Flood said the story speaks to the importance of treating everyone the same, regardless of circumstance.
McKinney said those that may not have the higher positions in life can identify with the shepherds, as the shepherds were recognized as lower class. McKinney said they were rejected, and that can speak to much as humanity. McKinney said this portion of the story is relatable to humanity, no matter what denomination.
“I believe most of us can resonate with the loneliness that can come from night,” McKinney said. “How that can impact our life.”
The three ministers emphasized that prioritizing the less fortunate or those on the outskirts of society is an important part of their faith.
Hodum said this gives everyone hope and gives everyone hope. Hodum said the story of Jesus is the center of the Christian faith, making the Christmas story essential across all denominations.