At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus,
decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.
2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.
***
(This is actual recorded history and real events, God’s redemption anchored in time.
The census was to efficiently and effectively tax everyone in the Roman Empire.)
***
4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David,
he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home.
He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.
***
(Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 80 miles.
It was a significant undertaking, costing time and money.)
***
5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
“It is possible that [Joseph] used the emperor’s order as a means of
removing Mary from possible gossip and emotional stress
in her own village.
He had already accepted her as his wife (Matthew 1:24),
but apparently continued in betrothal (Luke 2:5),
pledged to be married, till after the birth.”
Walter Liefeld
***
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.
7 She gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger,
because there was no lodging available for them.
Luke 2: 1-7 NLT
***
(Although Jesus’ conception was miraculous, His birth was not.
Jesus entered the world like every baby does.
He had to be like us in every way,
so He could do what we could not: save us from our sins.)
***
Look at the Bethlehem birth.
A king ordered a census.
Joseph was forced to travel.
Mary, as round as a ladybug, bounced on a donkey’s back.
The hotel was full.
The hour was late.
The event was one big hassle.
Yet, out of the hassle, hope was born.
It still is.
Max Lucado