Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors (Luke 2:14)

If ever there was an opportunity for God to enact his plan with a majestic flourish, it was at Jesus’s birth. But God did not presume upon humanity when he stepped in to redeem it. There was no pretence in this arrival. Rather, God chose to identify in the humblest way with those made in his image. Jesus arrives in rural anonymity; he belongs to Jews of average social status.

As humble as the setting is, his birth is accompanied by the attention of the heavenly host. The shepherds who are privileged to share in the moment become bearers of a story full of wonder. His birth is more than a cosmic event; it is the arrival of divine activity that should provoke joy, reflection and attentiveness. That is why Mary ponders these events and the shepherds return glorifying God.

The contrast between the birth's commonness and the child's greatness could not be greater. The promised one of God enters creation among the creation. The profane decree of a census has put the child in the promised city of messianic origin. God is quietly at work, and a stable is Messiah's first royal room.

Jesus' birth sparks joy, surprise and wonder. All these emotions flow from the experience of the shepherds, who observe with amazement as heaven confesses the child's identity. The major offices of Jesus are confessed in one sentence: he is Savior, Lord and Christ-that is, the deliverer, the master and the anointed king. As unbelievable as it may seem, the one with authority over salvation spends his first nights not in a palace but in the open air among simple people like the shepherds. All the imagery shows God's concern for people regardless of their social status or vocation. He cares for all and identifies with all.

Joy comes with an angelic proclamation of good news (euangelizomai in Greek). The message is for all the people. The angel describes the sign: the shepherds will know this announcement is true when they see the child in a manger. Mary depicts the wonder of experiencing the inbreaking of God in her life. She pondered these things in her heart.

The Christmas story is not told so that hearers can identify with the new mother and father or enjoy a story of hope, of a touching birth in humble surroundings. This birth has value because of whose birth it is. The shepherds have found that the angel's words were true, that events have transpired just as they had been told.

God's word is coming to pass; his plan is again strategically at work. They break out in praise to God because he has sent Jesus, the Savior, Lord and Christ. Reflecting the piety of obedient Jewish parents, Joseph and Mary undertake to circumcise the child on the eighth day and give him the name the angel said he should possess, Jesus. In every action this couple is showing faithfulness. They are examples of faith. As devout Jewish parents, they follow the Mosaic law. Jesus is born into a good family, the Holy Family.