The Manger

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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. Luke 2:1-7


Politics and history: Caesar Augustus as emperor and Quirinius as governor gives us an approximate 5-year window between 4 B.C. and A.D. 1. Rome was ruling the civilized world. The culture of the time included Jewish religion, Roman law and Greek philosophy. There was Roman-enforced general peace throughout the empire. This period is commonly referred to as Pax Romana, "the Peace of Rome." Politicians and emperors need numbers and monies accounted for, so bring 'em in and tax 'em. Each to his own city of heritage.

Mary was very pregnant, on the verge of delivery, but away they went, about 80 miles south to BETHLEHEM! (Micah 5:2). Joseph had already taken responsibility for Mary and her unborn son, and they were of the same lineage, so it only made sense. The city had to have been crowded, the streets and inns must have been loud and confusing, but God's perfect time for this baby had arrived, so a place must be found. There were no guest rooms available for them, so apparently a stable would have to be their shelter for this moment of destiny. Much has been made of this "no room in the inn" situation; many sermons have been preached, indicating something sinister about it. I prefer to acknowledge that with a huge influx of people and animals, lodging becomes scarce and even nonexistent, and other arrangements must be made. This was foreknown, of course, and prophesied long before the child was conceived. God the Son, creator and redeemer of mankind, began His human life in the humblest of circumstances. Smelly, inconvenienced people, smelly animals, feed-trough for a cradle. And two faithful, loving servants of God to be His parents as long as He would need human parents. Surroundings don't make the man, knowledge of God makes the man, and the man makes His life one of perfect submission to God's Word.

Another main feature of this story is the "cloths" the KJV calls "swaddling cloths" in which Mary wrapped her firstborn. She knew she would deliver on this trip, so she would have had clean cloths with her for this purpose. It is true, though, as many have emphasized, that these strips of cloth were the same type of material in which dead bodies were wrapped for burial. I do believe there is profound symbolism in this, as this child was born to die. That was His whole purpose in being born as a human, without sin; He came to die as the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. I also believe Mary and Joseph knew this point of doctrine about this firstborn Son. So she joyfully delivered her baby, and I think tearfully wrapped Him in death cloths, knowing she was holding in her arms and at her breast the Savior of the world.

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Galatians 4:4-5