It totally makes sense for our Lord to be born among the animals. Here we have the Lord of all creation born incarnate in the world. Is it not good, right, and salutary that he be born among his creation? There, present for his birth are creatures; yes, his mother and the one appointed to serve as his earthly father. But also present are his creatures: the animals, who like Mary and Joseph are also part of creation. It is proper that they also be present to welcome their Lord. because their Creator has come. How fitting that he be placed in a manger - the place where those animals receive the gift of food from the hand of their Lord to provide for their needs. And they worship their Creator - not by bowing in worship or singing his praises. No they praise him by simply being the creatures they've been created to be - quietly watching these amazing events unfold.
Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created.
And he established them forever and ever;
he have a decree and it shall not pass away.
Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and mist,
stormy wind fulfilling his word!
Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Beasts and all livestock,
creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and maidens together,
old men and children!
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his majesty above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his saints.
for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the LORD!
And to think it took reading an Arch book and looking at the pictures for me to finally get it.
