10 Truths about Christ’s Birth in Bethlehem

Let’s look at 10 truths about Christ’s birth in Bethlehem from the gospel of Luke:

Luke 2:4-7:
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 [Joseph, as well as Mary] was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed [registered] with Mary his espoused [early part of marriage] wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there [Bethlehem], the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn [she later had 4 sons and at least 3 daughters with Joseph] son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes [royal, salted strips of cloth], and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

This section of scripture gives great details about the background of Jesus’ birth. Here are a few truths to remember:

1) Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth of Galilee.
2) They traveled south to Judea to the small town of Bethlehem, the city of David.
3) Joseph [and Mary] were of the lineage of King David. Joseph through David’s son Nathan [Luke 3:31] and Mary through David’s son Solomon [Matthew 1:6, 16. The word “husband” should be translated “father” in Matthew 1:16.]
4) They were enrolled in a Roman registration. In 3 BC [when many scholars think Jesus was born], Augustus Caesar turned 60, it was 25 years of his reign as emperor, and the 750th anniversary of Rome’s founding. This was a special registration of allegiance to Caesar and Rome.
5) Joseph and Mary had gone through the betrothal and wedding ceremonies and were now husband and wife. They both went to Bethlehem because they were both descendants of David.
6) Mary was near the full term of her pregnancy.
7) They stayed long enough in Bethlehem for her to deliver her child.
8) There was not enough room at Bethlehem’s inns [since so many people came to be registered by the Romans]. Joseph and Mary found shelter in a stable next to an inn. These were common for keeping the animals of travelers.
9) Mary delivered Jesus, her FIRSTBORN son. Jesus was her firstborn because she later had “James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas” and all [at least three] of Jesus’ sisters [Matthew 13:55,56]. Jesus was God’s ONLY-BEGOTTEN Son.
10) She wrapped Jesus in “swaddling clothes.” Ezekiel 16:4 gives insight into this custom: “And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, NOR SWADDLED AT ALL.” For children of noble birth, especially kings, a special ceremony occurred for a short time at their birth. The umbilical cord was cut, they were washed in salt water [to show they would walk in truth] and then swaddled in strips of cloth [wrapped like a small mummy, to show they would walk uprightly.] Joseph and Mary knew who Jesus was, and treated him as royalty at his birth.

May we also recognize the Lordship of Jesus Christ and glorify God for His greatest gift to us!

Philippians 2:11:
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.