New Testament · 1 min read
The Birth of Jesus: the Christmas story (Luke 2)
Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem for a census, and there Mary gives birth and lays her son in a manger because there is no room in the inn. Angels announce to shepherds nearby good news of great joy: a Saviour has been born. The shepherds hurry to see him, and Mary keeps all these things in her heart.
Read Luke 2Key verses
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luke 2:10
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
King James Version
Luke tells the birth of Jesus against the background of an empire: Caesar Augustus orders a census, and everyone goes to their own town to be registered.
No room
Joseph travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David, with Mary, who is expecting a child. While they are there, she gives birth to her firstborn son, wraps him in cloths and lays him in a manger, because there is no place for them in the inn.
Good news in the fields
Nearby, shepherds are keeping watch over their flock at night. An angel appears and the glory of the Lord shines around them, and they are terrified. The angel tells them not to fear: there is good news of great joy for all people. A Saviour has been born, and they will find him lying in a manger. Then a multitude of angels praises God.
Seen and remembered
The shepherds hurry to Bethlehem and find Mary, Joseph and the child, just as they were told. They tell everyone what they heard, and all who hear it wonder. Mary treasures all these things and ponders them in her heart.
Questions to carry
Why might the first announcement have gone to shepherds at night? What would it look like to "ponder" something this week instead of rushing past it?
Read the chapter
Read Luke 2 in full.