Merry Christmas! And the story of Jesus' birth

Merry Christmas! While December 25th isn't likely to be the date of Jesus' birth, there isn't any doubt that this is the night that we celebrate Jesus' birth. The historical record from the Gospel of Luke is quite clear:

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.

The history of Christ's Birth

1. The Roman empire ruled the known world at the time of Jesus' birth.
2. Cyrenius was the governor of Syria.
3. Joseph and Mary travelled to Bethlehem to be taxed because "he was of the house and lineage of David."

The night of Jesus' birth

• Jesus was born in a manger, not in an inn like many of the travellers.
• Jesus' birth was told to lowly shepherds who were tending their flocks in the fields outside of Bethlehem.
• An angel told these shepherds what had happened, where it had happened and what to look for.
• When the shepherds reached the city, they found Jesus in the setting that the angel had told them He'd be in.
• After the shepherds had seen the Baby Jesus, they didn't keep the news to themselves. They spread the word.

Jesus is known in the Bible as "the King of kings and Lord of lords. Despite that, he entered time and space by being born in a manger, not in a castle. The news of Jesus' birth wasn't announced to the Sanhedrin or the temple priests. It was announced to shepherds who tended their flocks outside the city, outside civilized society. Why? The angel explained why when he said "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."

Jesus' Jewish pedigree isn't disputed by serious people. Yet the angel said that great joy would be spread "to all the people." The Gospel isn't just for the Jewish people. It's for Gentiles, too.

How strong was Jesus' Jewish pedigree? Check this out:

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?

Picture a 12-year-old debating and impressing doctors. That's pretty impressive in and of itself. On top of all that, the Gospel said that "all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers."

Jesus wasn't born to impress doctors and rabbis. Jesus was born so He could live a sinless life, be crucified on that cruel Cross at Calvary, rise again from the dead and to give us the opportunity to spend eternity in Heaven with Him. I've said yes to Jesus' offer. I invite you to accept that offer, too.

Finally, if you accept Christ's offer of Salvation, the peace that surpasses all understanding will greet you. Enjoy: