Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem because of an order from the Roman emperor that a census, or record, of all people be taken in their hometown. After traveling pregnant on a donkey for several days, Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem and were told there were NO PLACES TO STAY. The inns were full. Seeing that Mary was due at any moment, an inn owner told Joseph THEY COULD STAY IN HIS STABLE.
“…she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes (sparganoō: to strap or wrap with strips), and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE AROUND THEM, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY which will be to all people.” (Luke 2:7-10) The birth was in a animal stable and the birth announcement was made to smelly shepherds.
This was the message the angels brought, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, LYING IN A MANGER (phatnē: an animal stall).” 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, GOODWILL TOWARD MEN!” (Luke 2:11-14)
So, what happened? “…they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it MARVELED AT THOSE THINGS WHICH WERE TOLD THEM by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered (sumballō: to bring together in one’ s mind) them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had HEARD AND SEEN, as it was told them.” (Luke 2:16-20)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham