The Announcement Of Christ’s Birth

Luke 2:1-20

Thanks to Luke’s attention to historical events it is possible to determine the date of Christ’s birth within a couple of years. One reason for rejecting many pseudo gospels is their lack of historical accuracy. Luke was a contemporary and familiar with the culture and the laws of the day. In addition, his stories make it apparent he was personally acquainted with most of the people he refers to or their friends. Roman records support his claims about the taxation.

“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.” (Luke 2:1-2)

By having everyone pay their taxes in the city they were originally from, Rome could be sure they got everyone’s money, but most cultures were not that concerned with taxes, as they didn’t have such an excessive infra structure and weren’t so large. That Luke knew this is evidence that he was a contemporary. The details here could have only come from Mary or Joseph themselves.

“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.” (Luke 2:4)

It is impossible to estimate how many people may have been forced to travel to their home city to pay their taxes and be recorded on the census, but the number was significant. With no way of reserving rooms, and considering that most inns had only one or two rooms that were rented out, it is not hard to believe that the inn was full. Today most people would not think of sleeping in an animal shelter, but even during the depression, Mom’s family had to live in a chicken house for a while, and Dad’s family rented a sheep shed because that was what was available. Homeless people often live in conditions most people wouldn’t endure on a camping trip and consider them normal. Sleeping in the stable would not have provoked much concern. It provided needed shelter, and camping out was a way of life.

Nearly everyone has seen to cowboy movies where the night herder rides around the cattle to keep them together and prevent attacks. With sheep it is even more necessary as they are more vulnerable. Even today, sheepherders live with their sheep to protect them. As a result they become very acquainted with nature, and aware of God’s creation. While many are not Christians, few are atheists or agnostics.

“And there were in the same country shepherds 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.” (Luke 2:8-9)

Their awareness of nature tends to make outdoor people more receptive to the things of God. As a result the angels appeared and announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, while the people in the cities were completely unaware of it. To them it was an event, while most people in the city probably would have considered it just another baby and ignored it. To those who work closely with animals, a birth is especially exciting.

“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. 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. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” (Luke 2:10-20)

Whether Luke got the story from Mary or one of the shepherds is unclear, but that he had interviewed others is obvious. The shepherds arrived before Joseph and Mary moved from the stable, and spread the news, but it never got to Jerusalem.