JESUS IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM Luke 2:1-7

JESUS IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM
LUKE 2: 1 - 7

photo courtesy of Bible Study Tools

   1) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  2) (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  3) And everyone went to his own town to register.

   4) So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  5) He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  6) While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7) and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  Luke 2:1-7  Life Application Study Bible  (NIV)

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY

   Luke is the only Gospel writer who related the events he recorded to world history.  His account was addressed to a predominantly Greek audience that would have been interested in and familiar with the political situation.  Palestine was under the rule of the Roman empire;  Emperor Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, was in charge.  The Roman rulers, considered to be like gods, stood in contrast to the tiny baby in a manger who was truly God in the flesh.

   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.

   The government forced Joseph to make a long trip just to pay his taxes.  His fiancee, who had to go with him, was going to have a baby any moment.  But when they arrived in Bethlehem, they couldn't even find a place to stay.  WHEN WE DO GOD'S WILL, WE ARE NOT GUARANTEED A COMFORTABLE LIFE.  But we are PROMISED THAT EVERYTHING, EVEN OUR DISCOMFORT, HAS MEANING IN GOD'S PLAN. 

   I can stop here and be more than satisfied with this reading of God's word.

   God controls all history.  By the decree of Emperor Augustus, Jesus was born in the very town prophesied for His birth, even though His parents did not live there
.

   Joseph and Mary were both descendants of David.  The Old Testament is filled with prophecies that the Messiah would be born in David's royal line.

   Bands of cloth were used to keep a baby warm and give it a sense of security.  These cloths were believed to protect its internal organs.  The custom of wrapping infants this way is still practiced in many Mideastern countries.

   This mention of the manger is the basics for the traditional belief that Jesus was born in a stable.  Stables were often caves with feeding troughs (mangers) carved into the rock walls.  Despite popular Christmas card pictures, the surroundings were dark and dirty.  This was not the atmosphere the Jews expected as the birthplace of the Messiah King.  They thought their promised Messiah would be born in royal surroundings.  We should not limit God by our expectations.  He is at work whenever He is needed in our sin-darkened and dirty world.

   Although our first picture of Jesus is as a baby in a manger, it must not be our last.  The Christ-child in the manger has been made into a beautiful Christmas scene, but we cannot leave Him there.  This tiny, helpless baby lived an amazing life, died for us, ascended to heaven, and will come back to this earth as King of kings.  Christ will rule the world and judge all people according to their decisions about Him.  Do you still picture Jesus as a baby in a manger---or is He your Lord?  Make sure you don't underestimate Jesus.  Let him grow up in your life.

   Learn more about His gift of salvation by clicking this link:     http://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html. 

MY THOUGHTS

   It is understood that God gave this world to us through Adam.  Rather than us inheriting it, Adam gave the deed over to Satan.  We lost our inheritance through a man.

   Jesus was born of a woman, because the only way for us to regain what was lost by a man, is through a man.  Jesus was a man, 100%.  Jesus was also God, 100%.  He gave up Paradise to be born as our perfect sacrifice, knowing anything we did would fall short because we were imperfect, due to Adam.

   This was God's ONLY BEGOTTEN son for eternity!  He would not have stood by and sacrificed His Son if there had been ANY OTHER WAY!

   I praise You, Lord for Your sacrificial love!   Amen.


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Merry Christmas.