An Apparent Stumbling-Block Becomes Proof of Truth

Why did the angels announce Christ's birth to shepherds if the event left scarcely a ripple on history? Thirty years later, when Jesus began His ministry, the wonder seemed utterly forgotten. Joseph and Mary were strangers in Bethlehem; Christ never returned there. The humble shepherds and their auditors likely died before spreading word. This apparent ineffectualness has puzzled many—could such a miraculous announcement truly fade without consequence?…