The answer is: Wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger

Luke 2:12 - there might have been many other babies around, but none in swaddling clothes and in a manger. Without the direction from the angels they may never have thought to look in such a place.

The angels' announcement to the shepherds is a moment rich with layers of meaning. Wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger may not sound significant at first, but let’s dig a little deeper. Picture it: the shepherds, humble and often overlooked, become the first to witness the Messiah. What a twist of fate! Instead of being born in a palace fit for royalty, Jesus entered the world in circumstances that couldn't be more ordinary—tucked up for the night in an animal trough used for feeding!

This scene conveys profound themes. First, it emphasizes Christ's accessibility; He came for everyone, not just the elite. The angel’s sign is unique because it highlights that the miraculous can be surprisingly mundane. This also reminds us of God's preference for the lowly and marginalized—a recurring theme throughout scripture, where even the shepherds were often seen as outcasts. Fun fact: in the ancient world, shepherds were among the first to rescue and save lost sheep, which pools "lost" into a greater narrative of finding and redeeming.

The sign of a baby wrapped snugly in swaddling clothes shows divine care too. These textile strips weren't just practical but symbolic of God's surrounding love. The echoes of the Old Testament ring clearly here, reminding us of prophecies about the modest beginnings of significant figures, setting the tone for an exciting journey ahead led by a boy from humble origins destined to change everything!