speaking of the shepherds at Bethlehem, “Luke reports that they not only came and saw, but that they also proclaimed–not only to Mary and Joseph but also to everyone–the news concerning the child and the message they had heard in the field. Do you not think that there were many people who considered them fools and bereft of their senses because they dared, as uncouth and unschooled lay people to speak of the angels’ song and message? How would they be received today…? But the shepherds, filled with faith and joy, were happy for the sake of God to be considered foolish in the sight of man. A Christian does the same; for God’s word must be considered foolishness and error in the world.”

Martin Luther. “Sermon on the Gospel for the Early Christmas Service.” Luther’s Works. Volume 52. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1974, page 37.