Day 14: Read Luke 2:1-7
The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-7 reveals to us the events that led up to Jesus's birth. At that time, Augustus Caesar decreed that all people in the countries under Roman control must list their names in a register. This was the first time a registration was ordered and it was taken while Quirinius was governor in Syria. All of the people had to return to the towns of their family to register. This meant that Joseph had to leave Nazareth and travel to the town of Bethlehem, also known as the town of David, because Joseph was from the family of David. Joseph took Mary with him because they were engaged. Mary was pregnant at this time. While they were in Bethlehem, it became time for Mary to give birth, but there was not room in the inn. She gave birth to a son, wrapped him in pieces of cloth, and laid him in a box where animals are fed because there wasn't room in the inn.
Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth, but God had spoken through His prophets that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. The young couple would not have had reason to travel to Bethlehem, especially when Mary was about to give birth to a son, but God ensures the completion of His prophecy through Caesar's decree. Joseph and Mary are under Roman rule, which means they must comply with Caesar's decree or risk punishment, the punishment likely being prison or death. The couple is forced to take the long journey to Bethlehem just before Mary is about to give birth. Once in Bethlehem Mary is able to give birth to a son and fulfill the prophecy. God could have made room in the inn for the young couple and their child, but instead He has the baby born in a stable with animals. This is not done to suggest that Jesus is the same as an animal or less than God's son, but is once again an example of a humble beginning that God will transform into a glorious ending.
The humbleness of Jesus's birth should not be treated as a reason to be dismissive of Him, but rather should be a reminder of our own need for humbleness. The shelter over His head is not grand, but it still protects Him and He has no reason to want for more. The cloth covering His body is not luxurious, but He is clothed. He does not have a single possession and yet He knows God's love. Most of our lives will never be this humble and yet we can still learn from Jesus's humble birth. It does matter our shelter, if there is a roof over our heads then we can give thanks to God for protecting us from the elements. If our bodies are covered then it doesn't matter what the label says and we can give thanks to a God for clothing our bodies. It does not matter what possessions we own if we know God's love for us, which is the only part of our lives that will endure forever. God desires a humble heart and this is shown in the birth of Jesus. In humbleness God is glorified.
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