Ελληνικό SiteChristmas in July
A liturgical calendar might place reading about the birth of Christ in the month of December. But God isn’t tied to our man-made devices, and we’ll study the incarnation as opportunity presents itself. (As an aside, maybe it will help us to endure the summer’s heat a bit more.)
Luke 2:1-7
- Federal census/tax registration and the birth of Christ (v. 1). Think back. How often has an almost insignificant event had a profound influence on the direction of your life? Were it not for the mandated journey to be counted in the hometown of his ancient family, Joseph would not have traveled to Bethlehem (v. 4) and Jesus would have been born in Nazareth. But Micah 5:2 said that the savior would be born in Bethlehem, and God used the Roman emperor to make it happen.
- And Joseph took his pregnant wife on the trip (v. 5). What other options did he have? She, too, was of Davidic descent.
- Although they tried to find lodging in the inn (v. 7), there was no room for them. So they retired to a space reserved for animals. In lieu of a baby bed, they used a manger for the newborn babe.
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Luke 2:1-7
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And 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.
Micah 5:2
2But 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.