Jesus’s Birth According To Luke

When it comes to Christmas, there is nothing better to think about, then Jesus Christ, our Lord. Why is this? It is because He is the reason for the season, not Santa or anything else, for nothing can take His place in the hearts of men, women, and children. Sure, the world likes to make people think about Santa and the gifts they may receive from Him, but really we should be telling our children and others about Jesus and His glorious birth instead. So in saying this, let us now read about Christ’s birth, while reading from Luke, chapter 2. It begins with the following… ¹“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 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. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.” (Luke 2:1-6) How amazing it is to learn of how Jesus came into the world. It wasn’t through royalty, but through poverty. At this time, His parents were traveling back to their hometown in Bethlehem, because of taxes. This was the place that was prophesied of that Jesus would be born.

It was in Bethlehem that Joseph and Mary searched for a place to stay for a night, for Mary was close to having her baby. And the only places they could find and afford were the inns in that town. However, because of so many people coming into the city at that time, they were all booked, having no room for them and their child, who was to be born soon. So, fortunately, they found a place, which was in a barn. It was here that Jesus was born and laid in a manger. This is that story, ¹“and 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. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:7-14) What a glorious moment this would have been for the shepherds in the field that night. Oh, how they must have felt to experience this angelic visit and to know that the Savior of the world was recently born.

The story of Christ’s birth continues with the Shepherds, who went off in haste to visit Joseph and Mary. After what the angel said, they had to go see Jesus, their Messiah, first hand. He was promised to come into the world for centuries and their Lord and Savior had finally come. This account reads, ¹“and it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2:15-20) What a time this must have been for the shepherds to see Jesus first hand, even at His birth. This time on earth cannot be matched, for the King of all kings had just come into the world. No wonder why they told everyone about Christ’s birth and glorified God. It is my prayer that you also will be bold enough to tell others about Jesus. If you love Him, then the spirit of boldness will enter your life like no other. Surely, it is good news we share about Jesus, so don’t be afraid, my friends. Glorify Him and praise His holy Name.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will begin to give You the glory that You deserve. Surely, Your birth was like no other on this earth, and we ought to be thinking of You and Your coming into the world at this time. The season that we are in is often replaced with Santa, and the gifts that we can receive, where our hearts should be turned to You. No person on earth can ever take Your place, oh Lord, and I pray that people will be reminded about this fact now. May people that say they believe in You also decide to put You first in their lives and give You the glory that You deserve. May they no longer teach their children to write letters to Santa, or to sit on his lap, in order to tell them what they want for Christmas. Help them understand the blasphemy in this, for they are replacing You with figurative and made-up people. Oh, how my heart is saddened just thinking of how You are being blasphemed in these things, and I pray that people will turn from their sins and come unto You fully, even this day. Then, will they begin to not only live their lives out for Your sake, but also teach their children to call upon Your Name in prayer and to read the Bible daily. There is wisdom found from seeking You and I pray that people will find the counsel they need for their lives in doing this. Then, will Your love start to flow from us and into other people’s lives. You are our God and I love You. All the glory and praise to Your holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.

Luke 2

¹Luke 2 (KJV)
1 And 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.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 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:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And 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.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.