“And they went with haste and found ... the baby lying in a manger.”
Caesar Augustus made a decree that all the world should be registered, that is, that a census should be taken throughout his empire. The decree of Augustus brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem at exactly the right time in order that the Messiah might be born there in fulfillment of prophecy.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2).
Bethlehem was crowded when they arrived from Galilee. The only place they could find to stay was the stable of an inn. That was an omen, a preview of how men would receive their Savior. It was while the couple from Nazareth was there that Mary brought forth her firstborn Son. Wrapping Him in swaddling cloths, she lovingly laid Him in a manger.
Thus did God visit our planet in the Person of helpless Baby, and in the poverty of an ill-smelling stable.
The first intimation of this unique birth was not given to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, but to contemplative shepherds on Judean hillsides, humble men who were faithful at their regular work.
An angel of the Lord came to the shepherds at night, and a bright, glorious light shone all around them. As they recoiled in terror, the angel comforted them and broke the good news. It was good tidings of great joy for all the people. That very day, in nearby Bethlehem, a Bay had been born. This Baby was a Savior, who is Christ the Lord! First, He is a Savior, which is expressed in His name, Jesus. Then He is Christ, the Anointed of God, the Messiah of Israel. Finally, He is the Lord, God manifest in the flesh.
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