Mary’s boy came in the wee-hours of the morning. – Jesus, beloved member of the Trinity, arrived as a human baby. His birthplace was in the Bethlehem hill country of His ancestor King David, who used to be a shepherd by trade; incidentally, shepherds were only a stone’s throw away from the place where Jesus was born.

Jesus did not wake up to an illustrious neighborhood. He was outside protective palace walls – and I believe this was intentional. Despite being King of the universe, the Son of God does not seek the status of the privileged. Born in a barn, Jesus welcomes everybody. People meet there on an equal footing. Alongside resting cattle shepherds and foreign dignitaries come to worship Him. Jesus is in touch with all of creation.

From an angel’s perspective, they had known Jesus and experienced His glory in heaven long before His arrival on planet Earth. It had to be a powerful witness to them seeing their Maker transformed into a helpless babe.

Jesus would grow up to become a sought-after man of God who began His public ministry around the age of 30.  He was admired by many, but would also suffer rejection, pain, and loneliness. He loved people unconditionally, even those who hated Him.

Having walked in our shoes, Jesus has become our premier advocate. Knowing God’s plan and the impact Jesus was going to make – no wonder the angels broke out into praise [Luke 2:13-14]:

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God saying: ‘Glory to God in highest heaven and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased!’” * [*The Living Bible]