They reached their destination relieved and exhausted. While the journey from their home in Nazareth was terribly difficult, Bethlehem was the place of their ancestors. Yet, they could not find any place to stay (Luke 2:8). Joseph must have knocked frantically on many doors, explaining time and again the dire need with increasing desperation with Mary alongside him listening and hearing the refusals.
In actuality, the greatest event of human history was a simple quiet moment. The unassuming shepherds to whom the holy birth was announced would not be dismayed at finding God’s Messiah in a cave, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a feeding trough for animals. Naturally the shepherds bring gifts to present to the baby, generously sharing what they have – a lamb, cheese, butter, milk, curd.
God continues to reveal Himself in the ordinary. Like the shepherds, we must dare to have a disposition of humility, simplicity and docility towards God if we truly are to recognize the divine glory ablaze in our daily experience.
