THE MIRACLE OF MIRACLES
Jesus Is Born In Bethlehem
Luke 2:1-20
By Glenda Ward
McDowell County
Every child born is a gift from God. EVERY birth is a miracle. But over 20 centuries ago there occurred the miracle of miracles. A baby was born. With a divine Father and a human mother, Jesus the Son of God entered history – God in the flesh.
The Romans ruled the civilized world at this time under the rule of the Roman Empire with Caesar Augustus. A Roman census was taken to aid in the collection of taxes. The Jews weren’t required to serve in the Roman army, but they could not avoid paying taxes. Caesar Augustus’s decree was ordered that all should be taxed and everyone into his own city. Joseph, against his better judgment and political convictions, complied with the Roman order to make the long trip to Bethlehem to pay his taxes. Mary at this time was only espoused or in today’s terms engaged to Joseph to be his wife. According to Jewish law, being espoused was just as legally binding as being married (Reference Matthew 1:18-19). This required Mary to go with Joseph as she was about to give birth. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem would have taken three days and covered roughly 90 miles. By the decree of Emperor Augustus, Jesus was born in the very town prophesied for His birth years before (Reference Micah 5:2), even though His parents did not live in Bethlehem. Jesus was born in God’s perfect timing and according to His perfect plan to bring His Son into the world. Rome made the decree, just as God intended.
Notice this quiet couple as they head toward Bethlehem. God did not soften the bumpy road but strengthened Joseph. God did not provide a luxurious inn for Joseph and Mary but brought His Son into the world in humble surroundings. Just as Mary did when we do God’s Will, we are not guaranteed comfort and convenience. But we are promised that everything, even discomfort and inconvenience has meaning in God’s plan. He will guide us and provide all we need. Like Joseph, we should live each day by faith, trusting that God is in control.
The surroundings where Jesus was born were dark and drab. 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. Joseph’s own city refers not to where he lived presently, but to the town of his ancestral roots because this is where King David grew up (Reference 1 Samuel 16:1). Joseph and Mary were both descendants of David (Reference Luke 1:27). The house of David refers to the tribe of Judah, from which prophecies said the Messiah would come (Reference Genesis 49:9-10). “And 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:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” (Luke 2:4-5).
The birth of Jesus to a virgin is a miracle that many people find hard to believe. Three facts can aid in our faith: (1) Luke was a medical doctor, and he knew perfectly well how babies come into existence. It would have been just as hard for him to believe in a virgin birth as it is for some people today, yet he reports it as fact. (2) Luke was a painstaking researcher who based his Gospel on eyewitness accounts. It is believed that Luke talked with Mary about the events he recorded in the first two chapters of the book of Luke. (“This, I truly believe is her story, and not a fictional invention”). (3) Christians and Jews, who worship God as the Creator of the universe, should believe He has the power to create a child in a virgin’s womb.
In sending Jesus to be born to Mary, God mercifully helped Israel; in keeping with promises He had made centuries earlier to Abraham and his descendants. (Reference Genesis 12:1-3; 22: 15-18). The Virgin Birth is important to the Christian faith because Jesus was born without the sin that entered the world through Adam. Jesus was born holy; He obeyed God and was, therefore, able to face sin’s consequences in our place and make us acceptable to God. (Reference Romans 5:14-19). Adam was created sinless but in contrast to Jesus, Adam disobeyed God. God’s Son, had to be free from the sinful nature passed on to all other human beings by Adam. Jesus was born without any trace of human sin. Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. Because He lived on earth as a man, we can know that He fully understands our experiences and struggles. (Reference Hebrews 4:15-16). Because He is God, He has the power and authority to deliver people from sin. (Reference Colossians 2:13-15). Anyone can tell Jesus all their thoughts, feelings, and needs. He has been where they are and He can help them if they will only trust in Him.
The Roman rulers considered to be like gods, stood in contrast to the tiny baby in a manger who was truly God in the flesh. Although our first picture is of Baby Jesus in a manger, it must not be our last. Jesus Christ, the Christ child, in the manger makes a beautiful Christmas scene, but we must not leave Him there. This tiny baby lived an amazing life, died for us, ascended into heaven, and will return to this earth as King of kings and Lord of Lords. Christ Jesus will rule the world and judge all people according to their decisions about Him. Make sure you don’t underestimate Jesus. Let Him grow up in your life! Put your faith and trust in Him and make the Kingdom of Heaven your eternal home.
Something To Think About
Do you still picture Jesus as a baby in a manger – or is He your Lord?
_________________________________________
Glenda Ward is a member of Grand View Baptist Church in McDowell County and is a Christian writer/author of “Something to Think About” – weekly Christian Articles. She finds purpose and joy in writing Church Programs & Bulletins, VBS Material, Christmas and Easter Programs, Memorials, and now expanding to include weekly articles to other churches, as well as writings to include Christian-based articles on Relationships in Marriage; all material based on the KJV of the Bible. From personal experience, I hope to set an example of how to serve a risen Savior and live by the Holy Spirit with joy. My goal is to help people partake of the better option in life to experience the transforming power that is available in Christ Jesus today. You can read more, good, Christian news from Glenda HERE.
_________________________________________
