The Luke Project Vol 1- The Gospel in SongSýnishorn

Jesus is Born 2:1- 20

In perfect Luke style, Luke begins with many historical details around the story of Christ’s birth. These historical and political details make him unlike the other gospel writers. Luke knew these details would draw in his mainly Greek audience. 

Caesar Augustus ordered a census of all the Roman empire. Because of this, Joseph was forced to take his pregnant fiancee from Galilee to Bethlehem. It had to be Bethlehem since Joseph was from the line of David, and Bethlehem was the city of David. This fulfills the prophecies that the Messiah would be born from David’s line (Jeremiah 33:15), and that He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). This would have been about a 90 mile walk. The route they would have taken would likely take them 4 to 5 days. What a journey for a 9 month pregnant girl! I can only imagine her discomfort. 

Joseph and Mary finally make it to Bethlehem and find there are no rooms available anywhere! I would have been panicking at this point. It was time to have this baby. They quickly find a stable and Mary gives birth to her first son, Jesus. She wraps him up and lays him in the manger. 

This is not the way any of us would imagine the Messiah to be born, especially the Jews of the time. They were expecting a royal King. This was not the most comfortable place for Mary, Joseph and the Baby. God doesn’t promise things will be easy and perfect and go according to our expectations when we follow Him. In my experience, they usually go quite opposite of my expectations. He does promise that He won’t leave us and He will give us everything we need to serve Him. Are you in a rough spot today? Maybe that is exactly where God wants you and can use you today. 

At this time, in the same area, an angel of the Lord appears before some shepherds in their field. They were terribly frightened, but the angel comforts them. “I bring you good news. A Savior for all people has been born today in Bethlehem!” The angel tells them how they will find the baby wrapped up in a manger. 

As if one angel weren’t scary enough, now they are suddenly surrounded by a “multitude of heavenly host,” that begin to praise God. Can you just imagine the power and emotion of all the angels either speaking or singing together? “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” I know I could never come close to recreating that moment in song, but hopefully this song will spark your imagination. 

As soon as the angels went away, the shepherds could not wait to go see this with their own eyes! This is not a moment you brush off lightly. They had just been visited by angels who told them all about a Savior, who they can find now! Out of all the people God could have sent the angels to, He chose the lowliest of people. Some common, dirty shepherds went and found the Baby just as they were told. They told Mary and Joseph all the things they had seen and heard from the angels. Mary deeply treasured these things in heart. The shepherds went off praising God for everything they had just witnessed! 

I’m sure this night was on their lips for the rest of their lives. Think of all the people they told. How many people have you and I told lately about King Jesus? We don’t have to be pastors or Bible theologians. God can and does use common people to spread His good news. It’s just as exciting as it was 2,000 years ago, so let us tell people boldly what He has done for all who believe!