Shepherds, Wise Men,
and a King Born of a Virgin
in a Stable
27 December 2021
The birth of Jesus is surrounded by a series of unusual and thought-provoking events. Why was a king born in a stable? Who would ever think of looking for a king among animals? If it was God’s will, could He not have been born into a higher class of society? How did the wise men follow a star, and why did they first go to King Herod’s palace?
These questions invite us to look deeper into the meaning behind the nativity story.
The Birth of Jesus
Jesus was born to reach all people and every class of society. A palace would have limited access, but a stable was open to everyone. There were no locks, no guards, and no barriers. Anyone could enter.
This openness reflects exactly how God wanted His Son to be—accessible to all, without distinction of wealth or status.
Jesus was born when Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to register themselves according to the decree of Emperor Augustus (Luke 2:1). Bethlehem, being a small town, had few inns, all of which were full. Seeing Mary’s condition, an innkeeper allowed them to stay in the stable, likely expecting to make room for them once travelers departed after registration.
It was there, in the quiet and isolation of the stable, that Jesus was born. There were no midwives, no helpers—only Joseph, Mary, and God Himself. It is striking that the one born to remove pain from the world would enter it under such humble circumstances.
The Virgin Mary
The Catholic Church teaches that Mary was immaculately conceived—born without original sin. According to Scripture, pain in childbirth is a consequence of original sin:
“I will greatly increase your pangs in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children.”
(Genesis 3:16)
It follows, then, that one without original sin would not experience this pain. This idea is echoed in Isaiah:
“Before she was in labor she gave birth; before her pain came upon her she delivered a son.”
(Isaiah 66:7–8)
This passage also supports the belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity—even after the birth of Jesus.
The First Visitors: The Shepherds
The first people to visit Jesus were shepherds—likely the only visitors at the stable. Angels announced the good news to them. Why shepherds?
In the society of Jesus’ time, shepherds belonged to the working class. They grazed sheep along the road between Bethlehem and Jerusalem, supplying the Temple with the daily sacrificial lambs.
Their lives were difficult. They lived outdoors, protected sheep from predators and thieves, and moved constantly as pastures changed. They were poor, simple people.
Only people with such simplicity of heart would be willing to seek a king in a stable. Only such people could see angels and take their message seriously enough to act on it.
The Visit of the Wise Men from the East
The Wise Men, or Magi, were members of a Persian priestly class, known for their study of the heavens and their skill in interpreting signs, dreams, and visions. Scripture itself associates such “wise men” with the interpretation of dreams, as seen in the time of Daniel (Daniel 2).
Their expectation of a coming King may have been shaped, in part, by the ancient prophecy of Balaam:
“A star shall come out of Jacob.”
(Numbers 24:17)
But how would Persian scholars have come to know of such a prophecy?
During the time of the exile (2 Chronicles 36), many Israelites were scattered throughout the regions of Babylon and Persia. Not all returned to their homeland. Over time, they carried with them their Scriptures, their hopes, and their expectation of a coming Messiah. It is likely that these truths became known, at least in part, among the learned classes of those lands.
When the Magi observed a new and significant star in the sky, they understood it as a sign—the birth of a great King, the long-awaited Messiah from Israel. Yet, they did not rush impulsively. Instead, they prepared carefully. They gathered gifts worthy of royalty and organized a long and demanding journey of more than a thousand kilometers, likely taking several months by caravan.
Scripture does not tell us how many Magi there were, though tradition often speaks of three, based on the three gifts presented: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Their journey itself reveals something important: they did not literally follow the star from Persia to Israel step by step. Rather, they recognized the sign, understood its meaning, and then set out with intention and preparation.
This is further suggested by the actions of King Herod. After speaking with the Magi, he ordered the killing of all children two years old and under (Matthew 2:16), based on the time the star had first appeared. This indicates that a significant period had passed between the appearance of the star and the arrival of the Magi in Judea.
When they finally reached Israel, they went first to Jerusalem—to the palace of King Herod. It was a natural assumption: where else would a king be born but in a royal palace?
Yet, God’s ways are not as human expectations.
Only after they left Herod did the star appear again, guiding them onward—not to a palace, but to a humble dwelling in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:9), where they found the child Jesus.
Lessons from the Story
Like the shepherds, can we recognize a king in someone born into poverty? Can we see God in our fellow human beings?
If we cannot, we are no different from Herod or the chief priests who found it threatening that a king was born outside a palace.
Jesus’ birth teaches equality—no class distinctions, no superiority based on wealth or status. If we claim to be Christians yet look down on others, we live contrary to Christ’s message.
The Wise Men remind us that faith often precedes understanding. Many signs exist in the world, but only those open to faith recognize God’s call.
Their journey was long and filled with doubt. Some may have abandoned it. Yet those who persevered encouraged one another and found Christ. Faith is easier when lived in community.
If we sincerely seek Jesus, He will lead us to Himself.
References
- Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. © 1989 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
- Dave Armstrong, Star of Bethlehem, Astronomy, Wise Men, & Josephus
- Dave Armstrong, Jesus’ December Birth & Grazing Sheep in Bethlehem
- Eka Dharma, Shepherds on Bethlehem Pasture in December
- Tim Staples, Was Mary Free from Labor Pain?
- Photo Credit: Photo by Nav Photography from Pexels - www.pexels.com
