The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2

New International Version (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus

 '2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."

When Jesus was born, his earthly family was not rich.  He would not live a life of luxury.  He was born in a manger.  A manger was a place where the animals were.  The angels that pronounced his birth did not tell the king.  They told the poor shepherds that were out in the field with there sheep. 

If you are having financial difficulties this Christmas and can't buy the gifts that you would like to buy for your children and family, remember the birth of Jesus.  Joseph and Mary did the best the could.  They loved and cared for their little family.  They loved and trusted in God.  That is what is required of us--to love our families and to love and trust in God.