Luke 2:1-7

¹ And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The first chapter of Luke was building up to an event. Gabriel announced to Zacharias the coming of the Lord (1:16,17). Then this same messenger repeated the news to Mary, announcing the soon coming “Holy One” called “the Son of God” (1:35). Elizabeth declared Him the “blessed fruit of [Mary’s] womb” (1:42). And Zacharias concluded with a powerful prophesy about the “Dayspring” who would “give light to those who sit in darkness”.

Now chapter two opens “it came to pass”, language suggesting the fulfillment of the prophecies. Here it is, the moment we’ve been waiting for… “a decree went out for Caesar Augustus”. What? Boring historical details. Then something about Quirinius. Come on Luke, this isn’t the time to play historian. Announce the Dayspring, the Lord, the Holy One.

So we continue. Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem. Now this is promising. Long before it had been prophesized of this city,

“But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting”. (Micah 5:2)

So our excitement returns as we see the people move into place. Then it happens. He is born. Put “in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn”.

It’s a story I’m well familiar with, but never did I realize how shocking it is. No room in the inn? He should be born in a palace! Put in a manager? Outrageous! But that is the point. Had He been born in a palace, we would read and think, “Good, surely He deserves such treatment.” We would be wrong. This is divinity stepping down into humanity. The most magnificent palace falls exceedingly short of the home and glory He left behind. His unbecoming birth leads us to exclaim, “He deserves more!” Then we begin to realize how much more. The Holy One had every right to remain in heaven – distant, supreme, self-interested. But a selfless love compelled Him. A love for us. He lowered Himself to exalt us. He entered darkness to guide us into the light. “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves.” (Desire of Ages)

Truly, we serve an awesome God!