Read Luke 2:1-7

JESUS IS BORN IN BETHLEHEM
A Roman census 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’ decree went out in God’s perfect timing and according to God’s perfect plan to bring His Son into the world.
Luke is the only Gospel writer who related the events he recorded to world history. His account was addressed to a predominately 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 gods, stood in contrast to the tiny baby in a manger who was truly God in the flesh.
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 King David. The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be born in David’s royal line.
The government forced Joseph to make a long trip just to pay his taxes. Mary, who had to go with him, was going to have a baby at any moment. But when they arrived in Bethlehem, they couldn’t find a place to stay. When we do God’s will, we are not guaranteed a comfortable life. But we are promised everything, even our discomfort, has meaning in God’s plan.
Strips of cloth were used to keep a baby warm and give him a sense of security. These cloths were believed to protect his internal organs. The custom of wrapping infants this way is still practiced in some middle eastern countries.
The manger is the basis 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 wherever 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 the subject of 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 and Lord of lords. 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 and Savior? Make sure you don’t underestimate Jesus. Let Him grow up in your life.