He Came to Them First

Jesus does not reveal Himself according to human expectations. He reveals Himself according to Divine Mercy.

Father Chris Alar, MIC, draws our attention to the order in which Christ is revealed at the Nativity. The shepherds come first. Only later do the Magi arrive. This sequence is not accidental — it is a theological statement.

The shepherds represent the poor, the humble, and the overlooked. They possess no status, no learning, and no power. Yet they are the first to receive the announcement of the Savior. The Magi, by contrast, represent the learned, the wealthy, and the honored. They arrive later, guided by a star and sustained by a long journey.

By revealing Himself first to the shepherds, Christ proclaims that His Kingdom is not built on prestige, intelligence, or wealth. It is built on humility and openness of heart. By welcoming the Magi as well, He shows that no one is excluded — but all are welcome by grace, not by personal merit.

Jesus comes to the poor and the rich, the simple and the learned, the Jew and the Gentile. He comes to those who arrive quickly and to those who arrive late. The order reveals mercy; the invitation reveals universality.

The Epiphany teaches that Christ belongs to no single group. He is revealed to all, but He begins with the lowly so that no one may ever believe they are unworthy of His coming.