Luke 2:1-14

There was no room for them, God controls all and knows all from the beginning the end, what are we to learn from this? Is it that the world will never make room for the spiritual, that money cannot buy a place in God's Kingdom or just to fulfill the prophesy of the Old Testament? The Father could have brought His Son into the world born to the religious hierarchy and He could have been raised in wealth and earthly comforts but He chose to bring forth His only Begotten Son in a humble stable and to be welcomed first by the Shepherds, not the elite, with shouts of Peace, peace, goodwill toward man. Glory to God in the highest that His gift of salvation is for all people, rich or poor, bond or free, who will humble themselves and choose to accept it!

Christ is Born

2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Angels Announce Jesus to the Shepherds

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!"

The Study Bible says this: The registration, following Jewish custom, took place at a person's ancestral home. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 90 miles, at least a three-day trip. The fact that Mary made the journey with Joseph suggests that they were already married. However, the marriage had not yet been consummated. The manger was probably a feeding trough for animals. Jesus was probably born in a stable or in a cave that served as one. The inn was most likely a reception room in a private home or a space at a public shelter, not a large building with several individual rooms. The night watch was kept to protect sheep from robbers and wild animals. In this scene, the glory is the appearance of light in the midst of darkness. Savior … Christ … Lord: These three titles together summarize the saving work of Jesus and His sovereign position. What God was called in 1:47, Savior, Jesus is called here. The word Christ means "Anointed," referring to Jesus' royal, messianic position. The word Lord was the title of a ruler. The meaning of the word is defined by Peter in Acts 2:30–36. Jesus is destined to sit and distribute salvation's benefits from God's side, ruling with the Father. Heavenly host refers to an entourage of angels. goodwill toward men: The phrase means that people are the objects of God's goodwill. In ancient Judaism, this phrase described a limited group of people who were the objects of God's special grace. The promise of peace and goodwill would come to those who welcome God's only Son.