What does Luke 2:10 mean?

Shortly after Mary gave birth to Jesus (Luke 2:6–7), an angel appeared to local shepherds (Luke 2:8–9). This terrified the men, at first, but here the angel speaks reassurance. What the prophets of the Old Testament predicted (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7; Micah 5:2) has come to pass.

The angel pointedly notes that this announcement is for "all the people." God seems to be highlighting that fact by speaking first to common shepherds—not kings, scholars, or warlords. Those the world values least are often those whom God both speaks to and speaks through (1 Corinthians 1:26–29). When Jesus is circumcised and dedicated at the temple, the prophet Simeon will note that Christ's ministry will extend beyond even the nation of Israel, to the entire world (Luke 2:32).