December 25 - Hays Jones
Luke 2:1-14
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Merry Christmas everyone!
Here in Luke 2, the scripture tells of the birth of Jesus after Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem for the Roman census (it would have taken many days to travel there). While they are in Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to Jesus and there’s no room for them, so they lay Jesus in a manger instead.
I personally find it to be an interesting start to the life of the One who would eventually save us all. That in the beginning of his life, even from birth, Jesus is in a lowly position. He is humble from the very first moments of life to the last. And that is a way of life that we can try our very best to model.
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” This is good news that causes great joy! The son of God was born in a manger and eventually will give us the greatest gift we could ever receive. Praise God for the birth of our Savior, Messiah, and Lord - Jesus. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” As you open presents, spend time with family and friends, or whatever you do today, may you not forget the “reason for the season”.