Just before Jesus' birth, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. According to Luke's gospel, this was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to their own town to register (Luke 2:1-3). Mary was heavy with the baby. She was carrying the Son of God. Shouldn't God have caused Caesar Augustus to postpone this census just because of Mary's pregnancy? Imagine if you do not know the whole story, you might question God for putting the heavily pregnant Mary on a journey of about 90 miles in four days. Remember, there were no cars and Joseph and Mary were too poor to afford a carriage. In fact, carriages were for the very rich and the rulers of the people. So for four very tiring days, Mary and Joseph made a 90 mile journey going 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 (Luke 2:4-5).
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. (Luke 2:7)
As if this strenuous journey wasn't enough, there was no guest room available for them in Bethlehem. As if this wasn't enough, while they were there, the time came for the baby to be born (Luke 2:6). Imagine yourself in the shoes of Mary and Joseph at that time. They were probably tired from the long journey. They were exhausted from searching all day for a guest room and finally, the Son of God was on the way and they had no room to welcome him. They were not even sure of getting a decent bed to lay the baby on. Is God not looking forward to having His Son on earth? Why wasn't He helping them,one may ask. A kind man gave them his stable and while in there, Mary 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 (Luke 2:7). The Maker of the heavens and earth welcomed His first son in a manger. Mary and Joseph might have wondered and thought about all these. Why would God do that to them and His son?
While Mary and Joseph were holding their newborn, something spectacular happened in the fields nearby. Luke 2:8-12 records that: "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." Then a choir of angels appeared and sang praising God. The shepherds could not wait. They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger (Luke 2:16). The first guests to welcome the Son of God were shepherds. When the shepherds had seen the baby, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them (Luke 2:17-18). These would have been an awesome experience but Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19).
Mary might not have given birth in a comfortable place but the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfilled prophecies. Below are a few verses:
The seed of the woman: And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)
Virgin birth: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
Birth in Bethlehem: “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)
His coming from the tribe of Judah: The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. (Genesis 49:10)
Mary's experience was unpleasant for a time, but she ultimately fulfilled God's purpose. Whenever we go through unpleasant experiences we should go to God and find answers. Remember not all things come from God. The devil can also put one in trouble. Before you accept your fate, know that if it is not from God, you need to break that yoke and be free.
Mary's baby came as the shepherd king. His first interaction with shepherds indicates his ministry of reconciliation. Jesus needed to be closer to the people he had come to save; his sheep.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalms 23:1-6)
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