And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7 ESV)
So many elements of the birth of Christ, prophesied centuries before this moment, all point to the humility of our Redeemer. As we read through chapter two of Luke, we see so many prophetic promises culminating in the birth of Jesus. During today’s devotion, we will look at just a few things that took place that first Christmas day.
First, we see that the Roman Caesar Augustus mandated an Empire wide census. This legally mandated registration forced every person to return to the city of their birth to be counted. This was the very reason that Joseph and his betrothed wife Mary found themselves back in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. We can’t be sure if God stirred Cesar’s heart to require the census or if God simply knew that Augustus would proclaim it, but we do know it accomplished God’s prophetic promise concerning the city where the true King of Israel would be born (see Micah 5:2).
We can’t be sure concerning the exact ages of Mary and Joseph, but most historians and theologians surmise that they were young teenagers. As the labor pains begun, this young couple, and this virgin mother, were preparing to welcome the Son of God into the world (see Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6). God could have chosen countless other parents for His beloved Son, yet He chose seemingly insignificant nobodies to rear our Savior. Luke reminds us that Joseph was of the “house and lineage of David” which would be essential because the Messiah could only be born of the tribe of Judah from the line of David in accordance with 2 Samuel 7:14.
As Joseph, Mary, and the unborn Jesus arrive in Bethlehem, this small, country destination must have suddenly experienced an influx of travelers there for the census. The 70 mile trek from Nazareth had no doubt left the young married couple tired, worn down, and ready to rest. As God’s plan unfolded that day, it came time for Mary to give birth. We learn the startling, raw reality of what takes place as Mary is forced to give birth to Jesus in what was most likely a cave stable.
Stop for just a moment and think about the incredible reality of what takes place. The eternal Son of God, King of kings and Lord of lords, leaves the eternal splendor of heaven and puts on flesh as He is born by a woman He Himself created. Then, our Creator who could have been born in one of the majestic royal courts in the world, instead lays His glory aside, humbling Himself, as He is first born in the lowliest circumstances and then He is laid in a feed trough manger. From His earliest moments, Jesus chose to identify with humanity completely.
Lastly, as verse seven closes, we see the heart breaking reality: “there was no place for them in the inn.” From the start, doors were closed in the face of our Messiah. Sadly, I think this is a picture of what has occurred countless times from that moment. Men and women throughout history have closed the door of their heart in the face of the God who came to rescue them.
As you reflect on the rich Biblical truth and beauty of Christmas, think of the journey of Jesus. Even at His birth He associated with the lowly, outcast, rejects, and those who had no home to call their own. This reminds me that Jesus truly came into the world to be the Savior for all people. There is none more majestic, none more meek, none more worthy of majesty and praise, yet none more humble, loving and kind.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son into the world and allowing Him to be born in such humble circumstances. Jesus, even at Your birth I see that You truly know and feel every ounce of what it means to be me. Thank You for not being afraid to associate with the lowly. Lord, please help us to throw the doors of our heart wide open to You, Your work, and Your will. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
