Miricle of the Birth by Keith Davis

Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6, from 600 years before.
(Isaiah 53 tells of Jesus’ last days in great detail)

It’s not just about the family going there and Jesus being born in a humble manger.
That’s often the extent of discussion of the birth of Jesus.
The Hand of God was at work in many ways, not always discussed.

First, Joseph and Mary, expecting the birth, could have stayed in their home or town, Nazareth, in the
comfort of their family, friends and those who could help with the birth.
But the Governor, under orders from Caesar Augustus, decreed for the very first time that a census be
taken and people had to travel to the town from where they were born and be registered in that’s
town’s census.

The family traveled there, and being so close to the time of birth, probably knew the burden that might
impose. But to Bethlehem they went.

Upon arriving, they went to ‘the Inn,’ indicating there was probably only 1 inn in the town, and possibly
because of the decree or holiday, many people might have traveled there, so no rooms were available.
It might have been suggested that one of many mangers might be available as a place for them to stay.
We sometimes envision a manger and a small building in a large field. (The shepherds traveled into
Bethlehem as told by the Angels) But, the family was in town and looked for a manger in the area. In
those days, the homes were on crowded, narrow streets. And it was common to have a 2 story house
where people lived, often on the second floor. Because space was limited, the second floor often
overhung the street a bit to give the second floor a little more room.

In some cases, the family owned animals, possibly a donkey, a sheep or goat, and the first floor was used
as a crib for the animals. This served to supply the warmth of the animal to help keep the second floor
warm on cold nights.
Those who had these cribs (or mangers) might have commonly let people stay in the manger, letting
people stay for free or for a fee. It was a humble setting, for sure. So Joseph and Mary probably found a
place available somewhere in the town. Jesus was then born in a manger.

Now, to put everything in perspective and looking at the bigger picture:
Jesus had to be born in a manger. A manger was the birthplace of lambs and goats where one of
perfection would be selected and used as a sacrifice for atonement of sins. That was critical, because
He was to be the perfect Lamb of sacrifice.

If the Holy Spirit had not moved upon Caesar and if the Governor had not decreed the census requiring
people to return to their home towns, Joseph and Mary would not have gone, and, if the Inn had a
room, then the family would not have looked for other arrangements, that of being offered the manger.
And Jesus wouldn’t have been born in a manger as would the perfect sacrificial lamb.
And. Bethlehem – what does that mean? Town of Bread! The very object Jesus tells us to partake of in
remembrance of His suffering and offer of salvation
Blessing to all, Keith