Why was Jesus Born.  (Luke 2: 1-7)

Christ Born of Mary.

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

We are all familiar with the story of Christ's birth, having heard it countless times in the West. It is a well-known narrative that we encounter in Christmas programs, public spaces, church settings, and even within our own homes. However, amidst this familiarity, it's worth considering the deeper meaning behind this significant event.

Why was Christ born in a place as humble as a stable? Why did He come into the world as a baby? Can we draw any significance from elements like the swaddling clothes and the manger in which He was placed? If you want to explore these questions then there is no better place to go that the Gospel of Luke, which provides an account of Christ's birth, including the details mentioned above. Let's look into this passage and see if there are any insights to grab hold of.

With this context in mind, let's turn to Luke chapter 2. We'll begin by reading verse 1, which states: "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered." This census decree occurred while Quirinius was governing Syria”.

So, this event sets the stage for the birth of Christ. The passage continues to describe Joseph and Mary's journey from Galilee, specifically the city of Nazareth, to Bethlehem, which is known as the city of David. This migration was necessary for Joseph to register with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was expecting a child.

As the narrative unfolds, Mary gives birth to her firstborn son and wraps Him in swaddling clothes before placing Him in a manger. This was because there was no room for them in the inn. This passage paints a picture of the circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ, emphasizing its humble and modest setting. Let's explore the significance of these details within the context of the entire passage.

The story begins with the decree issued by Caesar Augustus, whose reign spanned from 30 BC to 14 AD. This decree, requiring a census, was issued for the Roman world. It was not unusual for events like this to occur in the context of the time. The mention of Quirinius governing Syria at the time of the census poses a potential historical discrepancy since Quirinius became governor in 6 AD. However, this is easily explained when you understand that previously he had held a prior military before becoming governor which would have made him responsible for issuing such a degree and his description as governor is appropriate to his position more widely known at the time of Lukes writing his gospel account. The reference being more of a historical identifier and the passage primarily serves to provide a political context for Christ's birth.

The passage also offers insights into the location of Christ's birth. Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem aligns with the prophecy in the Old Testament, particularly in Micah 5, which foretold the Messiah's birthplace.

Traditionally, today December 25th is associated with His birth, even though it contradicts the idea that shepherds were tending their flocks in the fields, which would be unusual during the winter. However, some sources indicate that Bethlehem shepherds did graze their flocks in December, potentially supporting the December date. While the exact date may remain a mystery, and in a sense is unimportant anyway, however the tradition of celebrating on December 25th persists.

This passage in Luke chapter 2 serves as the main backdrop for the birth of Christ, offering historical context, detailing Joseph, and Mary's journey to Bethlehem, and foreshadowing the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies. The broad message remains clear: the birth of Jesus is a momentous event with profound significance.

Matthew's Gospel was primarily written to the Jews, aiming to demonstrate that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. On the other hand, Luke's Gospel takes a different perspective. It's not directed toward Jewish readers at all, but rather to a broader audience, possibly including Greek or Roman rulers. Luke's emphasis is on revealing the providential fulfilment of God's plan, rather than focusing on the prophetic fulfilment of scripture.

Matthew indeed highlights how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, whereas Luke emphasizes how God orchestrated events to fulfil His divine plan. Matthew reveals how Christ is the fulfilment of the Old Testament expectations, while Luke showcases the providential workings of God in bringing about these events.

So, the passage also underscores the importance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Christ, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies .The fact that Joseph and Mary undertook the arduous journey to Bethlehem is remarkable. Mary was nine months pregnant, yet she accompanied Joseph for the trip. While she wasn't required to make the journey, her motivation remains unclear. Possible reasons range from her awareness of the prophesied birthplace to simple concerns of her own well-being if left behind.

While Matthew's Gospel focuses on the prophetic fulfilment of the Messiah, Luke's Gospel emphasizes the providential fulfilment of God's plan. This passage in Luke chapter 2 provides a historical context for Christ's birth, ultimately, underscoring the profound significance of these events within God's divine plan.

The verse in question is Luke 2:7, which reads, "And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn."

One crucial point that can easily be missed is the fact that this verse establishes is the notion that Jesus was Mary's firstborn. This counters the belief in the perpetual virginity of Mary, a doctrine held by some Christian traditions, which asserts that Mary remained a virgin even after giving birth to Jesus. Luke, writing around 60 A.D., uses the term "firstborn," indicating that Mary had other children. This aligns with the biblical record and historical understanding that Mary and Joseph had a family beyond Jesus.

Additionally, the passage paints a picture of humility and even obscurity surrounding the birth of Jesus. Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes, which were simple strips of cloth. Normally, this would have been a task for others, such as midwives, but here, it is Mary alone who cares for the child. She also laid Him in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. This simple, rustic setting stands in stark contrast to the grandeur one might expect for the birth of the Saviour.

The reference to the inn further highlights the humble circumstances. In traditional Nativity scenes, the depiction is often cozy and serene, but the reality is much different. Bethlehem was likely overcrowded due to the census, leaving no room in the inn. Instead, Mary and Joseph found themselves in probably a hollowed-out cave, where the smell of animals and the presence of strangers would have been far from ideal.

So, why does the Bible emphasize these humble and seemingly uncomfortable conditions for the birth of Jesus?

One reason might be to emphasize the humility and simplicity of Christ's coming. His birth in these circumstances reflects the humility that would characterize His entire earthly life, setting an example for believers.

This passage serves as a reminder that God doesn't always arrange things as we might expect or imagine. It challenges us to consider the unexpected and humble ways in which God works in our lives. It encourages us to embrace humility, recognizing that God's purposes can be fulfilled even in lowly settings, and that His presence is not confined to grandiose or comfortable surroundings.

Sometimes today there's no room for Jesus in the word. The secular world is making less and less room for Jesus.

We don't have room we don't have time for that upon hearing. A joke you now but I recently heard of someone who complained when the heard a Christmas Carol playing over the loudspeaker in the shopping centre (A Mall) a man was overheard the remark isn't it disgusting people are trying to mix religion into everything nowadays even Christmas.

So, this will not be the last time there will be no room for Jesus at the inn, as our countries makes less and less and less room for him and that's true not only of our country, but that is also becoming true of churches.

As a matter of fact, that's nothing new this is mentioned in the New Testament in Revelation 3:20, where it says, “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him”. 

The church in Revelation is described as being self-sufficient and they shut the Lord out of the church and he's saying hello in there if any individual in there opens the door, I'll come into you fellowship, don’t shut me out. You know it’s nice to have a party at Christmas, but it’s a real shame that Jesus often isn’t there anymore. In fact, most of the time he is not even invited.

You probably know what I'm going to say next there's no room for him in the country, there's no room for him in some churches, and sometimes and there's no room for him in their lives of their hearts. 

What the inhabitants of Bethlehem did in their ignorance is done by many today in wilful indifference. They refused to make room for the son of God, and we today to often give no place to him in their feelings, their affections, their thoughts, their views of life, their wishes their decisions, their actions and their daily conduct. Thus, they deny themselves the greatest privilege of all and incur the greatest loss of their life.

Yet still God used the decree of a Pagan emperor and the treatment of the people in a town called Bethlehem to accomplish his will and fulfil his prophecy that his son be born in Bethlehem alone in poverty and rejected. 

The decree of the Pagan emperor in distant Rome and the treatment of the people in Nazareth is the thing that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem just as the prophecy foretold. 

The birth of Christ demonstrates that God works through all kinds of people in all kinds of situations to accomplish his will and if you don't get anything else out of what I said today take that home because one day when you too are going through a difficult situation like Mary did instead of saying, why me? Just know that God uses all kinds of things to accomplish his will if you are open and have room for Jesus in your life.

The son of God was going to visit planet earth and he came and was born in a manger of all things.

King queens and presidents announce the arrival with great pomp and circumstance. (Expand/Nepal) In contrast God visited the earth and placed his Son in an animal shelter with no attendants present no one to lay the newborn king anywhere but except in a food trough.

Indeed, the event divided history, even our calendar ever since has been divided into two parts and we have nothing more than animals witnessing his birth.

Well, here's my suggestion Jesus became a man so he could be our saviour he was born a babe in a stable so he could be a sympathetic saviour. 

Hebrews reminds us, “That we have such a high priest who has passed through the heavens Jesus the son of God let us hold fast to our confession for we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses but in all points was tempted as we are yet without sin let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

That's what's going on here, Jesus came born is a babe in the lowliest of circumstances so that he could go through sympathise with us, he understands our weaknesses and our helplessness. His mother wrapped him in swaddling clothes, he would also know about loneliness, his friend abandoned him. And here from his very birth he was placed in a feeding trough he experienced poverty.

There was no room for him in the inn, from the day he was born he understood and experienced and felt rejection, and most still do so today.

Someone's put it like this Jesus was an Asian born baby who became an African refugee the Christmas story is about an Asian born baby who became an international migrant.

Jesus was born in a borrowed barn and later would be crucified and be buried in a borrowed grave, He was homeless most of his life. This gospel account has enormous power for the world in which we live when they tell it like it really is so remember tonight that God works in all kinds of circumstances in all those circumstances.

If you know the Lord, you have a sympathetic empathetic saviour. We have a saviour who can understand our loneliness our poverty our rejection. He understands what injustice and hardship are, , he knows what it is like because he has been there himself. Regardless of what you're going through, and sometimes life is tough, Jesus has gone through it also.

Christians are just meant to be example of people who simply have an understanding that God is a saviour that understands what they're going through.

There is a story about a European emperor who a couple of times a year would take off his royal garments and dresses a peasant and go out and live among the people the staff the court worried about him doing this. But the king said I cannot rule my people unless I know how they live.  God said I'm going to give you a saviour who knows because of what he went through what you're going through and is able to give you grace to make it if you simply just take it.