In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. - Luke 2:1-7 ESV
Rev. Charles Han
This historically of Christmas
This event is embedded in history. During Roman rule, a census is called. Most likely for the purpose of taxation. The story is written by the author of Luke with the decided aim of writing down all the details. It is anchored in history. Unlike other religions, it is not based upon ideas of men. The source is verifiable. Christianity is based upon the life and words of Jesus. Paul stated that if Christ was a fairy tale of myth, Christians are to be pitied. Our faith is meaningless.
The fulfillment of prophecy
Luke speaks of the lineage of Joseph. This is to prove that Jesus was the long awaited savior. He is the fulfillment of all the prophesies. Not just a couple, but dozens. The probability of this is incomprehensible. Joseph and Mary had to make a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. There is no mention of a donkey. They most likely walked. What are they thinking or feeling about this? They are probably thinking of how this was such an arduous journey with a woman late in pregnancy.
God in a manger
This is no flowery or ornate language. Just a matter of fact. This is a culture that prized hospitality. There is a guest room but there is no mean innkeeper. It was likely a shared room. So why the manger? It was likely the only private quiet spot. This is how the most important person ever came into this world. More like a refugee than the son of God. He was born into humble poverty. His first throne would be a manger. He came to be God of the poor & the outcast. He did not come for the righteous. He was not born in a palace. He is approachable to the lowest of the lowly. He came in a dirty feeding trough. It is fitting, not for a king, but for a sacrificial lamb. He does not avoid messes. He enters into the mess of our unruly, unclean, disgusting lives. That is the son of God. He comes for those who are unfit to receive him. This is the one who came in a manger.
