The Birth of Jesus

The promise made to Abraham (Gen.12.1-3) and often repeated to others, would thoroughly impress upon all true Israelites that at some future time there would be born of a woman of the Jewish people a holy child, who would in some way (which they could not then understand) become a great King and bring blessing to all peoples of the earth.

Words such as those of the prophet Isaiah given to us in chapter 9, verses 6 and 7 would lead them to this expectation. The words of the prophet are "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice for ever."

These words are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as all can readily see, though only partially fulfilled as yet. The greater fulfilment is yet future. The birth of Jesus is one of the greatest events in human history. The place of Jesus' birth, as all know, was Bethlehem. This was according to the words of the. prophet long before the event took place. (Micah 5.2; Matt.2.5.6).

Mary, the mother-to-be of Jesus, had been previously informed that her child should be called Jesus, that He should be called the Son of the Highest, and that God would give Him the throne of David, that He should reign and have a kingdom without end. (Luke 1.30-33).

She with her husband Joseph lived in Nazareth, a humble despised city many miles from Bethlehem, but God over-ruled matters in order that the birth of Jesus should take place in Bethlehem, according to His word through His prophet. (Micah 5.2). The account is given in the second chapter of Luke, how that Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor (ruler of Palestine, the home of the Jews), sent forth a decree that all were to be taxed, everyone in his own city. Everyone must go to the city of their nativity, there to be enrolled and taxed. Mary and Joseph were of David's line and therefore had to go to David's city, Bethlehem. Whilst there, the birth took place, amid circumstances with which all are familiar.

There was no great pomp and show surrounding the birth of this Great One. Each one whom God chose to take part in this great act was humble, meek and possessed of great faith in God's promises. Both Mary and her husband were poor, as no doubt were the shepherds to whom the angels brought their message of joy.

In heaven there would be great rejoicing and a host of angels were ready to take part in this great event. Whilst others slept, Jesus was born, and the angels, led by the angel of the Lord, brought their message of joy and song of happiness to the shepherds keeping sheep. The angel of the Lord brought glad tidings which shall be unto all people. All have not heard these glad tidings yet, but we look by faith to the time when all shall have heard, and all shall bow to the name of Jesus. (Phil.2.7-11).