“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[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their 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 guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” - Luke 2: 1-20
As we approach Christmas day, every year, we are reminded of these verses and ones similar. We are coming very close to the day of Jesus’ birth and having the reminder of the true meaning of Christmas is important. Today we are focusing on the birth of Jesus and events leading up to it.
The second chapter of Luke, where our story begins, introduces what is happening and why Joseph and Mary are headed to Bethlehem. Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, stated that a census should be taken. Since Joseph was a descendant of David, he was required to go to Bethlehem with Mary to register. Mary was in her late stages of her pregnancy and was bound to give birth soon.
She gave birth to Jesus in a stable since there was no room for them in an inn. That goes to show his humble beginnings. Meanwhile, shepherds were doing their job, watching over their flocks, when an angel appeared to them. We don’t know if it was Gabriel, the angel who greeted Mary, but the angel brought them good news. The angel once again assures them to not be afraid. He tells the shepherds the wonderful news and they all agree to go see Jesus.
The shepherds go to Bethlehem and find Mary, Joseph, and the baby. After seeing Jesus they share the news with others. Verse 19 says, “Mary treasured up all these things”. This is another example of how grateful she is for this job and role of Jesus’ mother.
Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for this day. Let me be as grateful as Mary during these next few days and like the shepherds, sharing the good news of Jesus. Amen
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