Luke 2

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (12). Mary and Joseph most likely did not plan for the birth of Jesus to take place where and how it did. After a long journey, they did not find a guest house, and Jesus’ first bed was a manger. Simeon and Anna, waiting for the Messiah in the Temple, could not have imagined this arrival (25-38).

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (10). The Messiah coming without fanfare, under difficult circumstances, allowed ordinary people like the shepherds, and like us, to personally encounter him (8).