The Christmas Story -
With References From Luke 2:1-20
In his own mind, Caesar Augustus ruled the world, but there were stories that the Jewish people looked for their own King. He decided he must find the right way to declare his power over the people so he made a decree to tax his kingdom. Right away the people packed their things for travel and began their long journeys to the town of their forefathers. Joseph and Mary packed their needed belongings and left the city of Nazareth to go to Bethlehem, "(because he was of the house and lineage of David)." Joseph was a carpenter and perhaps he had made a crib for the new Baby, but it was left behind. Perhaps Mary had blankets and clothes for the Baby, but they too, were left behind. All the comforts of home were left behind as they left Nazareth and began their long journey. Travel was difficult because Mary did not have much time left before the baby would be born. Soon, the other travelers made their way around them and left them struggling along the paths. By the time they reached Bethlehem, there were no rooms left for them in the inn, but someone found some room left in a stable. While they were there, the right time came for the Baby to be born. Mary wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him right there in the manger. The precious Lamb of God, was born right there among the sheep.
Right at that moment, some shepherds were "abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Right then there was a multitude of angels praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Right away the shepherds left their place in the fields and went right to Bethlehem to see the Babe lying in the manger. After they had seen Him, they left, praising God and telling everyone they met about the things they had seen and heard.
Hundreds of years before, right there in the little book of Micah (5:2), it was foretold that the ruler of Israel would be born in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth. At just the right time, God used the right person, Caesar Augustus, to get them to the right place, the little town of Bethlehem. God can also put the right people in our paths, and the right things in our lives, to get us to the right place at the right time, when we follow His Word and trust in Him. Right now, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
