A Roman census (registration) was taken to aid military conscription or tax collection. The Jews didn’t have to serve in the Roman army, but they could not avoid paying taxes. Augustus’s decree went out in God’s perfect timing and according to God’s perfect plan to bring his Son into the world. No one had a choice about participating in the census. Thus all returned to their own towns to register. Joseph went to Bethlehem, a journey of about seventy or eighty miles. Bethlehem was where King David grew up (1 Samuel 16; 17:12; 20:6).
God controls all history. By the decree of Emperor Augustus, Jesus was born in the very town prophesied for his birth (Micah 5:2), even though his parents did not live there. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because Joseph was a descendant of King David. In fact, both Joseph and Mary were descendants of David. Old Testament prophets predicted that the Messiah would be born in David’s royal line (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 33:15; Ezekiel 37:24; Hosea 3:5).
In simple, direct language, Luke presented the Christmas story: no trees or lights, just a manger and animals and a too-crowded inn. It isn’t surprising that there was no room for them in the village inn considering the number of travelers flocking to various cities during the time of this census.
At some time during their visit in Bethlehem, the promised child was born. Mary wrapped the baby in strips of cloth, which were bands of cloth that were used to keep a baby warm and give it a sense of security. These cloths were believed to protect its internal organs. This custom of wrapping infants is still practiced in many Mideastern countries. Then Mary laid him in a manger, an animal’s feeding trough.
From the dirty manger, Luke moved to the fields outside the village. It was night. Shepherds were there, guarding their flocks of sheep. Among the occupations, shepherding had a lowly place. They were outcasts, not allowed in the city and not trusted by the general public, for often they were thieves. Luke gave this story about the shepherds for a reason. Jesus would come, not to the proud and powerful, but to the outcasts, the humble, those considered “last” on the social lists. To these men God brought the first news of his Son’s arrival.
As these shepherds were living in the fields under the sky, suddenly a bright light broke through the darkness. An angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. “Glory” refers to the majesty and splendor accompanying God’s presence (Exodus 16:7; 24:17; Psalm 63:2; Isaiah 40:5).
The angel explained the substance of the “good news” that he brought: A child had just been born in Bethlehem. The Savior of the World. For the Greeks and Romans, the word “savior” could be applied to their gods as well as to great military or political leaders. Julius Caesar was called a “savior.” The basic meaning of the word was readily understood by the Jews as well as Gentiles.
The shepherds were not told to look in a palace or in a wealthy home—indeed, they would not have gotten past the gates if they had. But they could go to the poor stable, receive acceptance from a poor couple, and discover the miracle baby.
After their anthem of praise, the angels returned to heaven, and the shepherds wanted to go and see this wonderful thing that has happened. They hurried into the village of Bethlehem to find the baby. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said—thus becoming the first witnesses of the gospel message.
The shepherds had to get back to their fields and flocks before their sheep wandered off into the night. As they did so, they were glorifying and praising God. They knew that they had been privileged to be the first to see the promised child - Messiah.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
Thank you Lord for sending us your Son. I am in awe of the humble way in which Jesus came. The King of the universe born in a barn, sleeping in a trough. Lord, keep me humble. Strip me of pride and haughtiness and any sense of self-importance.
Lord, draw people to COV this morning. Speak to their hearts and encourage them to be bold and courageous in inviting their friends to COV for Easter. Remind each of us of the destiny for all who reject You and Your offer of Salvation.
Lord, give me eyes to see the needs of others today and the heart /willingness to meet those needs.
"All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)
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