And So It Was…
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.” Luke 2:6-7
Some things never change. They, whoever they are, say that there is nothing sure in life except death and taxes, but they are right. One out of every one person dies or will die except for believers who will still be living when Christ comes for His church. Even so, they will die to the life that they lived on earth in mortal bodies but will have new life for all eternity. As far as taxes go, unless one is a hermit living in a cave somewhere, he or she will be subject to pay money to the government of their residence. Caesar Augustus, the emperor of the Roman Empire under whose dominion covered the land of Israel also collected taxes from every country worldwide. In order to collect taxes, all people had to come to the city of their lineage to be counted in a census. We Americans pay taxes, and we have to complete a census form every ten years. Like I said, some things never change.
Joseph, Mary’s husband, was of the lineage of the house of David, which was Bethlehem, thus, the two of them had to make the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted in this census. Mary was in her ninth month carrying Jesus, the Son of God. Imagine how uncomfortable it was to travel in that condition. Looking at a map of ancient Israel, Bethlehem was between 65 and 70 miles from Nazareth. That would be rather uncomfortable for a woman “great with child” to ride in a car, even more so to travel on foot or, as some have painted pictures of the couple with Mary riding on a donkey, and Joseph guiding the donkey with a rope, likely even more uncomfortable. However, their travel to Bethlehem was in fulfillment of the prophecy made by Micah (5:2): But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting”.
The account of Jesus’ birth that the majority of folks know concerns the fact that there was no room in the inn. Bethlehem was packed with folks coming to be counted in the census. Back then you couldn’t book a room online or even call to make a reservation. Travelers just had to take whatever they could find, and the only thing available was a stable or, as some believe, a cave where livestock was kept. Mary and Joseph, too, would have been exhausted, and the straw in the stable looked pretty good. The two of them were just regular folks, except for the privilege of bringing Jesus into the world, and were not likely accustomed to luxury. But think about it for a moment. What if Jesus had been born in luxury? Would folks think He only came to save the rich and powerful? Maybe. However, His humble beginnings gave Him a love for all people, not just the poor and not just the rich. When He died on the cross to save men and women from their sins, He didn’t require a certain social status, wealth, or prestige in order to receive Him, but rather a repentant and humble heart.
Joseph made Mary as comfortable as possible in the stable. We don’t know how long they were there before she started having contractions. Having had two children myself, contractions hurt like crazy. Mary did not have the luxury of a hospital birthing room, doctors, nurses, and, as far as we know, not even a midwife. Apparently, it was just the two of them. Perhaps Joseph had helped to deliver sheep, goats, and other livestock, so he had some knowledge as to what to do. Besides, God was there every step of the way. He would make sure that His Son would be a strong and healthy newborn baby Boy, and that Mary would come through the delivery with flying colors.
Jesus was born, and Mary wrapped Him in cloths to keep Him warm. She laid him in a manger, a trough which held the hay for the animals in the stable to eat. I like to think that the animals, the sheep, goats, cows, chickens, etc. that were in the stable were aware of the blessed event that was occurring right before their eyes. I wouldn’t be afraid to say that they were quiet as a church mouse out of reverence for the birth of God’s Son. After all, God made animals. He made a donkey talk in Numbers 22:28, thus, He can also give them an instinct to reverence Him. So here was Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and several animals along with God’s Spirit residing in a stable on this glorious night of which we celebrate as Christmas.
Next time: Jesus’ first visitors.