When you least expect it, expect it! I was just about done writing my thoughts about this verse today when the program asked for me to log in again and I lost everything except the Bible passages. I did not expect that.
The Shepherds outside of Bethlehem were on night duty, watching out for their sheep when an angel suddenly appeared to them. They were terrified! Wouldn't you be too if an angel suddenly appeared to you in the middle of the night.
But why did the angel appear to the Shepherds? Shepherds played an important role in the history of the people of Israel. Abraham and David were both shepherds. David wrote "The Lord is my Shepherd." (Psalm 23) Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. Even though shepherds were no where near the top of the social economic scale in Israel, they are important to God.
The children of Israel were looking and praying for the Promised Savior. The shepherds were caught by surprise when the angel appeared to them. Too many of the people living in Israel didn't recognize Jesus as the Savior when He came.
Christians have waited a long time for Jesus to return. He tells us to be ready, watching and praying for His Second Coming. But it is too easy to go through life without thinking about the Lord's return. There are too many other things we have to do that seem more important right now. But what could be more important than living as a Jesus follower, following Him and doing what He wants us to do?
When you least expect it, expect it. Jesus is coming again. "Lord, come quickly."