…and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock… The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Lk 2:1-14 )
Luke the Evangelist is trying to picture the scene of the Nativity of Jesus. He gives the historical background to the arrival of Jesus. He speaks about the ruler of the nations during whose reign Jesus was born. Jesus was historical. Then he was trying to picture him in sociological background. He belonged to the clan of David. And this was the reason that Joseph, Mary with the child moved on to Bethlehem, the city of David.
Next he gives a surprise. There was no room for Jesus in the town, in the houses and in the inn. Does the author try to place Jesus out side historical and sociological context? I should think so. Though the birth of Jesus is historical and sociological yet the actual birth of Jesus is outside history and society. He was born were the animals were staying (animal do not keep historical count and sociological references). Jesus is outside history and society. This could be the reason why he is all things to all.
The message is given to the shepherds who are also outside the historical and sociological contexts while they were keeping the night watch. They were one with the nature. They were with the animals but in the open where there was no shelter for them to stay. They were in the periphery of the society. In fact they were nomads. They were outside the society. To them the good news is given. Good news is given to the whole of creation and this is done so by showing outside historical sociological contexts.
