by Timothy W. Burnett
Luke 2:1-7, "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria). And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 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 was of the house and lineage of David), to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
The scriptural record of Jesus Christ's birth is filled with information that helps to pinpoint the date of his birth. This will be covered in a later article. But please note that this decree from Caesar Augustus is recorded history. The word "tax" is a bad translation for an earlier known Greek word that meant to enroll or registered. It was basically the taking of a census.
Verse 4 reveals that Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem because they were both of the house and lineage of David (See the genealogy of Mary in Matthew 1:1-16). In verse 5 we learn by that time, Joseph and Mary had already sealed their marriage and lived together. Furthermore, Mary was in the later stages of pregnancy with her first son.
Mary �brought forth her firstborn son.� Although we are often amazed about the birth of children, there is no indication that the general process of birth is truly miraculous. God designed people to be able to conceive and give birth to children. This was passed down over the generations. The same process occurred with the birth of Jesus. A comparative study of the birth of John and that of Jesus will shine more light on this subject. Both Elizabeth and Mary �brought forth� a son (see Luke 1:57 and 2:7).
There was something special about his post-birth preparation. Joseph and Mary followed the proper customs for the birth of a royal child. In his book, Light Through an Eastern Window, author K.C. Pillai explained the eastern Biblical tradition for the birth of a noble son. Whenever a King's son was born, he was "salted" and "swaddled." Bathing the child in salt water symbolized he would have the qualities of truth and honesty.
After the salting, strips of fine linen cloth were wrapped around his body. This was the "swaddling." He was wrapped from head to foot, with only his face showing. His straightened body and limbs symbolized that he would be free from crookedness and waywardness (See also Jesus Christ Our Promised Seed, by Victor Wierwille, pp. 205-208).
Verses 8-18 provides the wonderful record of the angel from God appearing to the shepherds that were watching their flock during the night. The angel said, "'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; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, 'Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.'"
They immediately proved God and found the baby Jesus lying in a manger. Next they made this known to everybody in the area. And with sweet humility, Mary kept all these things to herself, and pondered upon them in her heart (Luke 2:19).
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