The History Behind the Christmas Story (Part 3)

A decree had gone out by Ceasar Augustus. It was to collect taxes for the Roman government. And the citizens had to go to register for it according to the town of their birth. This meant that Mary and Joseph would have to travel some 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem

As we know, Mary was very much pregnant. The journey took about 3 days for them to arrive and it is thought that perhaps they got there in the evening after other places were filled up with other visitors that had arrived.

Where was Jesus born? In a cave, or a barn? Perhaps a stable? It is unclear and although scripture does not mention animals being in attendance as we see portrayed in pageants and the like, Luke 2:7 does say that when Mary gave birth to Jesus, she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manager which as we know is a feeding trough for animals.

The Son of God after being birthed now slept in a lowly feeding trough for animals. Think of that. Wasn't it enough that God sends his Son to such a sinful world in the first place, but then to not give Him the royalty and the majesty that He deserved. Even the greatest kings that lived, had much more than that.

And yet, that was just what His Father did. He sent His Son into humanity, not to set Him on a throne with a crown on His head as the Jewish leaders thought a king would and should have. There was no sign of royalty where He slept. His first bed had been so humble that not only kings would come from afar to visit him, but so would shepherds that were watching over their flocks.

But why? What was God's reasoning for this to be how His birth played out? A virgin? No place where Mary could give birth that would have been comfortable after her long trip on a donkey? And now a manager for a bed for a child that was supposed to one day rule the world?

Is God crazy? Ridiculous? That uncaring?

No. God his reasons. He gave Jesus to all humanity. But in doing so, He made Him reachable to us. There is nothing that stands in our way of getting to Jesus for those of us that truly wants Him. Unlike presidents and kings of times past and present, Jesus is for everyone. Rich or poor. His humble beginnings however they were, held a purpose. And that purpose friends was you and I.

A baby was born. And they named Him Immanuel. God with us. And God was and He loved us so much that through this baby, He would continue to be with us as the child Jesus grew up to take our sins to the cross. And He is still with us today for just that reason.

 Maybe we see Christmas as a time for fun and gifts and food. But the most important reasons aren't those things that we hold so dear. Because they will at some point all pass away with nothing but memories left. Our faith in Jesus Christ is what does not pass away. It will take us to live with Him someday and that is what Christmas is really all about.




Is that the end of the story of the birth of Christ. As we know, it was absolutely not the end of his birth. There was more to come. And there will be more in tomorrows blog, so please come back. Because it is certainly not finished.

Thanks for your visit. I hope you will be back tomorrow and may God bless your day because He is still around you know!