The Nativity Of Jesus, According To Luke

Since today is Christmas, we will be looking at the Nativity in the Gospel of Luke. There are a few differences from yesterday’s post on the Nativity of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. For example, the Magi (Or Wise Men, or 3 kings. Reminds us of the song: “We 3 kings of Orient are… westward leading, still proceeding. Guide us to thy perfect light.” As you see, we like that song here.) & their generous gifts are missing from Luke’s account of the Nativity. Luke has the shepherds & angels & King Herod is mentioned only as Jesus is an adult. In Matthew, no shepherds, no angels. So we hope that your holidays are filled with love & joy.

In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the 1st census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. Then to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the House of David & was his descendant. (Nice family tree, huh?) Joseph went there to register with (the Virgin) Mary, who was VERY pregnant at this point. Like we’re talking, Mary sneezes too hard & her water is breaking.

While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth to Jesus. She gave birth to Jesus, who was Mary’s firstborn son. Mary wrapped the baby Jesus in clothes/swaddling clothes. And she placed him in a manger because there was no room in the inn. (This tradition is becoming less & less accepted.)

There were shepherds out in the fields nearby. They were keeping watch over their flock, at night. An angel of God (Again, assumed to be the archangel Gabriel.) appeared to the shepherds. The glory of God shone around them, they were terrified.

But the angel told them not to be afraid because they were bringing them tidings of great joy, that was for all people. The shepherds were told in the city of David a savior was born. He was the Messiah/the Christ/the Anointed One. This is a sign for y’all. Crystal clear, a sign! They would find the baby wrapped in the aforementioned swaddling clothes & manger.

Suddenly, a great number of angels appeared with the original angel, praising God. “Glory to God in the highest, & peace on earth, goodwill towards men.”

When the angels were gone, the shepherds went to Bethlehem. They went to check it out. So they found Mary & Joseph with the baby Jesus. The shepherds told everyone what they had seen. Everyone was amazed at what the shepherds had told them. But the (Virgin) Mary treasured up these things & pondered them all in her heart. (Like a good mom should. Go for & good on her.)

The shepherds returned, glorifying & praising God because of all the things they had seen & heard.