In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
- Luke 2: 1 - 7

These verses in the Gospel of Luke record Jesus’ birth as a point in time, a real event and a promise fulfilled.

Two, possibly unlikely people played a part in this narrative. It states that ‘at that time’ the Emperor Augustus wanted a census to be taken so people travelled to their own towns to register. Joseph, being a descendant of David, made the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Mary. On arrival they found an overcrowded town and no guest room available. The unnamed innkeeper offered them shelter in a stable since there was no room in the inn.

‘The time came’ for her baby to be born. Mary bore her firstborn son and laid him in a manger. This was and is a special child. This baby was both human and divine and came from the Father’s heart and love for each one of us.

‘When the right time came God sent his Son’. (Galatians 4:4)

The birth of Jesus is as relevant and real today as it was over 2000 years ago.

This Christmas may we find room in our hearts and lives to receive Him and spend time celebrating the birth of the Saviour, Christ the Lord.

‘In Christ alone who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe.’ (Stuart Townend)

- Janice Bathgate