LUKE 2:1-07
THE BIRTH OF JESUS
INTRODUCTION
In the Gospel of Luke, the narrative surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ begins with a significant historical context, as articulated in Luke 2:1. The decree issued by Caesar Augustus for a census not only serves as a backdrop for this pivotal event but also illustrates the intersection of divine providence and secular authority. Augustus, the first Roman emperor, ruled during a time of relative peace known as the “pax Augusta.” His decree compelled Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, fulfilling the ancient prophecy that the Messiah would be born in the city of David (Mic 5:2). This moment encapsulates the profound mystery of how God’s sovereign plan unfolds through seemingly mundane human actions, highlighting that even the most powerful rulers are instruments of His divine will.
As we delve deeper into the nativity story, we encounter the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth, which starkly contrast the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Mary and Joseph’s arduous journey to Bethlehem, culminating in the birth of Jesus in a manger, emphasizes the theme of humility central to Christian theology. The Gospel’s portrayal of shepherds as the first witnesses to this miraculous event further underscores God’s preference for the lowly and marginalized. Through this narrative, believers are invited to reflect on the nature of true power and leadership, recognizing that God’s ways often defy human expectations. The birth of Christ not only marks the fulfillment of prophecy but also invites us to trust in God’s providence, even amidst life’s uncertainties.
Luke 2:1 “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.”
Luke 2:1 sets the historical and political backdrop for the birth of Jesus Christ. Caesar Augustus, the Roman Emperor, issued a decree for a census, requiring all inhabitants of the Roman Empire to be registered. This decree led Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in the city of David (Mic 5:2). This passage aligns with the Old Testament prophecy, underscoring the importance of Bethlehem in salvation history.
Caesar Augustus was the first and greatest of the Roman emperors, ruling between 27 BC and 14 AD. After Julius Caesar was assassinated in 43 BC by 40 Roman senators, his sister’s son, Gaius Octavius, was named his successor and later took the name Caesar Augustus. Augustus defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC, gaining control over Rome and its extensive territories. He became emperor in 27 BC, receiving the honorary title Augustus, which means ‘majestic’. His reign brought peace and prosperity to the empire, known as “pax Augusta.”
During those days, there was no common religion, and people considered the emperor as a god or son of god. Greek inscriptions reveal that Augustus was accepted as “saviour” and “god” in the empire. However, the Evangelist Luke presents in the child Jesus the true God and Savior who brought peace into the world.
A Census of the Whole World
The census mentioned in Luke 2:1 occurred during a peaceful time under Augustus’ reign. The Roman Empire was vast, encompassing most of the known world. Thus, “the whole world” refers to all people within the emperor’s domain. The census, conducted every 14 years for taxation and military purposes, ensured that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy regarding the Messiah’s birthplace.
This verse highlights divine providence at work through secular events. The census, a mundane administrative act, becomes a pivotal moment in salvation history, ensuring Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem as prophesied. This underscores the belief that God’s plan is sovereign and unfolds through both sacred and secular history.
Despite the grandeur of the Roman Empire and its decrees, the Savior of the world is born in a humble manger, highlighting God’s preference for the lowly and marginalized. This event invites believers to see God’s hand in the ordinary and to trust in His divine plan, even when it seems hidden behind worldly affairs.
The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, reflect on this passage as showcasing the divine orchestration of salvation history. St. Augustine, in his writings, often highlighted how God uses earthly rulers and events to accomplish His divine will.
Catechism Connection
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 525 states, “Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven’s glory was made manifest.” This underscores the humility and simplicity of Jesus’ birth, a core theme reflected in Luke 2:1.
Reflection
The decree from Caesar Augustus, a powerful ruler, inadvertently sets the stage for the birth of Jesus, the King of kings. This juxtaposition invites Christians to reflect on the nature of true power and leadership. While Augustus’ decree was an assertion of earthly power, Jesus’ birth represents divine humility and love. It reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways, and His plans often unfold in the most unexpected manners.
As Christians, we are called to see beyond the surface of worldly events and recognize the deeper spiritual realities at play. The journey to Bethlehem, the lack of room at the inn, and the birth in a manger all speak to the profound mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming man in the humblest of circumstances. This invites us to trust in God’s providence and to remain humble, knowing that God can use the simplest circumstances to bring about His glory.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who was born into this world in the humblest of circumstances. Help us to see Your hand in the ordinary events of our lives and to trust in Your divine plan. Grant us the grace to remain humble and faithful, knowing that You can use all things for our good and Your glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Luke 2:2 “This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.”
Luke 2:2 situates the birth of Jesus within a specific historical context, mentioning the census ordered by Caesar Augustus and conducted when Quirinius was governor of Syria. This verse serves to anchor the nativity story in real historical events, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecies and God’s intervention in human history.
Historical Context
The mention of Quirinius and the census is significant for several reasons:
1. Historical Accuracy: Luke’s Gospel aims to provide a detailed and orderly account (Luke 1:3), and referencing a known historical event helps to ground the narrative in reality. The census mentioned here is likely the one that took place around 6 AD, although there is some scholarly debate about the exact timing and whether there might have been an earlier census during Quirinius’ administration. Quirinius did a second census nine years after Jesus’ birth when Judea was only a Roman province. The evangelist specifies that Jesus was born during the first enrollment when Quirinius was the governor of Syria and not during his second census.
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: By linking Jesus’ birth to the decree that required Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, Luke highlights the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in the City of David (Mic 5:2). The prophecy would have failed if the emperor had not introduced the census or if Joseph and Mary had delayed their journey to Bethlehem.
3. Divine Providence: The seemingly mundane event of a census orchestrates the fulfillment of God’s plan. It demonstrates how God can use secular events and authorities to bring about His divine purposes.
Theological Significance
From a theological perspective, this passage underscores the universality of Christ’s mission. The census, which aimed to count all people under Roman rule, prefigures the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry and the salvation He offers to all humanity, transcending ethnic and national boundaries.
Reflection
The passage reminds us that God works through the ordinary and the extraordinary to fulfill His divine plan. The birth of Jesus during a Roman census shows that God’s timing is perfect, and His plans are sovereign, even amidst political and social upheaval. It encourages us to trust in God’s providence, knowing that He can use any situation for His greater glory and our ultimate good.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth was orchestrated by Your divine plan. Help us to see Your hand at work in our lives, even in the mundane and challenging moments. Grant us the faith to trust in Your providence and the courage to follow Your will. May we always remember that You are in control and that Your plans for us are good. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Luke 2:3 “And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city.”
This verse is part of the Nativity narrative in Luke’s Gospel, describing the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth. The census decree by Caesar Augustus serves as the providential means by which God fulfills the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Mic 5:2). The Roman custom was to register in one’s own domicile because the pagans did not care about their ancestry. Whereas the Israelites kept their genealogy tracing back to the 12 sons of Jacob. Since they register the census according to their tribes and clans, they had to go to their own native land.
Joseph, the nominal father of Jesus, was a descendant of David’s son Solomon. Mary was a descendant of King David’s son Nathan. So, we have two genealogical accounts of Jesus through the ancestral lines of Joseph by Matthew and of Mary by Luke. These show that Jesus is the “Son of David” from both by blood (Mary) and by right (Joseph). Since the ancestors of Joseph and Mary were from Bethlehem, the birthplace of David, they had to go there for the census. They traveled over 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, which took many days.
The Church sees in this verse a demonstration of God’s sovereign power working through human events to bring about His divine plan. Despite the apparent randomness of a Roman census, God uses this imperial edict to guide Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, the city of David, where the Savior is to be born.
This verse also highlights the obedience of Mary and Joseph to civil authority, a principle later emphasized by St. Paul: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom 13:1).
Furthermore, the journey to one’s ancestral city for enrollment symbolizes our spiritual journey back to God, our true origin and home. Just as Joseph returned to Bethlehem, we are called to return to God through Christ, who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6).
Reflection
As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded that God’s plans often unfold in ways we don’t expect. The Creator of the universe used a Roman census to fulfill ancient prophecies and bring about our salvation. This should encourage us to trust in God’s providence, even when we don’t understand His methods. Moreover, we are called to imitate Mary and Joseph’s obedience and faith. They embarked on a difficult journey, trusting in God’s plan. Similarly, we are invited to follow God’s will in our lives, even when it leads us out of our comfort zones.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your divine providence that guides all things according to Your perfect will. Help us to trust in Your plan for our lives, even when we don’t understand it. Grant us the obedience and faith of Mary and Joseph, that we may always follow where You lead. May we, like them, be instruments of Your divine purpose in the world. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Luke 2:4-5 “Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”
This passage is rich in theological and prophetic significance, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and highlighting key aspects of God’s divine plan.
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
The journey to Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy found in Micah 5:2, which foretells that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. This underscores God’s providence and the fulfillment of His promises through the lineage of David (2 Sam 7:12-16).
2. Davidic Lineage:
Luke emphasizes that Joseph was “of the house and family of David.” This connects Jesus to the royal lineage of David, fulfilling God’s covenant promise that the Messiah would come from David’s line.
3. Mary’s Role and Faith:
Despite being heavily pregnant, Mary accompanies Joseph on this arduous journey. This act exemplifies her unwavering faith and submission to God’s will, echoing her earlier fiat: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). Mary’s continued use of the term “betrothed” assures the divine origin of Jesus, as they had not consummated their marriage due to the virgin birth.
4. Obedience to Civil Authority:
Joseph’s compliance with the Roman decree for a census demonstrates obedience to civil authorities, as encouraged in Romans 13:1-2. This obedience does not conflict with his faith but rather complements his role in God’s salvific plan.
5. Geographical and Symbolic Significance of Bethlehem:
Bethlehem, which means “the house of bread,” is significant both historically and theologically. It prefigures Jesus as the “Bread of Life” (Jn 6:35). Bethlehem’s higher altitude compared to Nazareth symbolizes the challenging journey Joseph and Mary undertook, highlighting their physical and spiritual commitment.
6. God’s Use of Earthly Authority:
The decree of Caesar Augustus serves as an instrument of God’s will, bringing Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. This shows how God can work through secular events and authorities to accomplish His purposes.
7. Providential Arrangement:
Joseph and Mary’s temporary stay in Bethlehem was God’s providential arrangement. It ensured their later escape to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from Herod the Great, who sought to kill the Holy Child.
Reflection:
As Christians, Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem invites us to reflect on our own journeys of faith. Like them, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when the path seems arduous. Their obedience and humility are models for us, urging us to comply with divine and civil responsibilities harmoniously. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where divinity embraces humanity.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as we contemplate the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, grant us the grace to trust in Your divine plan for our lives. May we, like Mary, carry Jesus within us and bring Him to the world through our words and actions. Strengthen our obedience to Your will and our commitment to justice and humility. May the birth of Your Son, Jesus, in the humble town of Bethlehem, fill our hearts with hope, peace, and joy. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Luke 2:6 “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.”
Joseph and Mary reached Bethlehem after the tiresome journey of many days. Then it was time for Mary to give birth to her son. What a miserable situation for the Holy Family! Had the delivery happened in Nazareth, it would, of course, have happened in their own home under the supervision of a midwife and with the support of family, relatives, and friends.
Luke 2:6 describes the moment when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was ready to give birth to her firstborn son. This verse sets the stage for the Nativity of Jesus Christ, an event of immense significance in Christian theology. This verse emphasizes several important theological points:
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
– The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy of Micah 5:2, which states that a ruler will come from Bethlehem, “whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” This indicates that Jesus’ birth was part of God’s divine plan, foreordained in the Scriptures. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfills Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to His promises.
2. Divine Providence:
– The phrase “the time came” signifies the perfect timing in God’s plan. In Galatians 4:4, St. Paul writes, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman.” This demonstrates that Jesus’ birth occurred at the precise moment God intended, highlighting His sovereign control over human history. Despite Mary and Joseph residing in Nazareth, God’s plan unfolds perfectly, with the decree of Caesar Augustus serving as an instrument of God’s will.
3. The Humble Beginnings of Jesus:
– The setting of Jesus’ birth in a humble place emphasizes His humility and the simplicity of His entry into the world. This humility is a central theme in Catholic teaching, as Jesus, though divine, chose to be born in modest circumstances, reflecting Philippians 2:7, “but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.” The Son of God enters the world not in a palace, but in humble circumstances, foreshadowing His mission to serve and save humanity.
4. The Role of Mary:
– Mary’s role in the birth of Jesus underscores her obedience and faith. As the Mother of God (Theotokos), her willing acceptance of God’s will, expressed in Luke 1:38 (“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word”), serves as a model for all Christians. As the Mother of God, Mary plays a crucial part in salvation history, cooperating with God’s plan through her fiat and giving birth to the Savior.
The Catholic Church teaches that this moment marks the beginning of the New Covenant and the dawn of our salvation. Pope Benedict XVI wrote in ‘Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives,’ “The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is not just a past event. It is a ‘today’ of salvation.”
Reflection
In reflecting on Luke 2:6, we are reminded of the profound mystery of the Incarnation – God becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ. The humility and simplicity of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem call us to embrace humility in our own lives. Just as Mary and Joseph trusted in God’s plan despite their humble circumstances, we are invited to trust in God’s providence in our own lives.
The Nativity story challenges us to see beyond worldly status and power, recognizing the profound spiritual truth that God often works through the lowly and humble. This is a call to serve others selflessly, following the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mk 10:45).
Christ’s humble birth reminds us that God often works in unexpected ways. Just as He chose a simple manger for the birth of His Son, He may use ordinary circumstances in our lives to accomplish extraordinary things. We are called to be open to God’s will, even when it unfolds in surprising or challenging ways.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary in the humble town of Bethlehem. Help us to embrace humility in our lives and to trust in Your divine plan. May we always seek to serve others with love and compassion, following the example of Jesus. Through the intercession of Mary, our Mother, grant us the grace to live according to Your will and to bring Your light into the world. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Luke 2:7 “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
This verse narrates the humble circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. Mary, having traveled with Joseph to Bethlehem due to a decree from Caesar Augustus, gives birth to Jesus and places Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. The term “firstborn” indicates Jesus’ preeminence and legal status, not necessarily implying that Mary had other children (see Ex 13:2; Num 3:12-13; Deut 21:15-17).
Theological Significance:
1. Humility and Poverty:
The birth of Jesus in a manger highlights His humility and the poverty into which He was born. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus came into the world in the most modest of circumstances, emphasizing His solidarity with the poor and marginalized. This aligns with the Catholic teaching that Christ’s life is a model of humility and service (Phil 2:6-8).
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy of Micah 5:2, which foretold that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, the city of David. This connection underscores Jesus’ Davidic lineage and His role as the promised Savior (Mic 5:2; Mt 2:6).
3. Firstborn Son:
The term “firstborn” is significant in Jewish tradition, denoting the child who inherits the father’s legacy and holds a special place in the family. In the context of Jesus, it signifies His unique role and preeminence in God’s salvific plan (Col 1:15-18).
Additional Insights:
The Firstborn:
According to Jewish Law, the firstborn son had special duties and privileges. He was to inherit a double share of his father’s property (Deut 21:17). Parents were to offer him to God and then redeem him (Num 18:15-16). Even if the parents had only one son, they considered him the firstborn. Thus, presenting Jesus as the firstborn does not imply that Mary had other sons.
Swaddling Clothes:
Wisdom 7:4 narrates that King David’s son Solomon was wrapped in swaddling clothes when he was born. Mary wrapped Jesus, the “Son of David” in the same manner. She had to do this herself because there was none to help her other than Joseph.
Manger:
The manger was a feed holder for animals. It was the only available place to hold Baby Jesus with straw forming a warm bed. The ox and ass facing the manger could warm the baby in the winter. Fathers of the Church refer to Isaiah 1:3: “The ox knows its master and the ass its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Most Israelites did not recognize the Messiah born in a cattle-shed and resting in a manger.
No Room in the Inn:
Because of Mary’s advanced pregnancy, Joseph and Mary traveled slowly. They could not reach in time to get accommodation in an inn. The inns of those times were primitive shelters with accommodation for travelers and their animals. According to Biblical scholars, Bethlehem, being a minor city, had only one inn.
Parallelism of Birth and Death of Jesus:
The birth and burial of Jesus were in caves. He had no house to be born in or to die. The public and Jewish authorities rejected Jesus at his birth and death. Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes at his birth. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus wrapped him in a burial cloth during his entombment. His mother Mary had hardships at his birth and death.
The Time of Birth:
We observe the birth of Jesus on December 24th evening when the daytime hours begin to increase. This contrasts with the birthday observance of John the Baptist, which is six months before Christmas, June 24th, when the day length decreases. This corresponds to what John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He must increase, and I must decrease” (Jn 3:30).
The Virgin Birth:
From the Gospel accounts, it is not clear how Mary gave birth to Jesus without losing her virginity. Theologians differ in how this happened. Regardless of whether Jesus’ birth was by opening the womb of Mary by normal childbirth or by a miraculous birth without opening the womb, it does not affect the virginity of Mary because virginity is morally lost by sexual union, which did not happen in Mary’s case. Mary, in her apparition in Mexico on 12 December 1531 to Juan Bernardino, said that the Church should title her as “The Ever Virgin, Holy Mary of Guadalupe.” Thus, she herself has revealed her virginity.
Some theologians interpret that Jesus was born while his mother’s womb was closed, comparing it to sun rays penetrating through glass. According to this concept, the Blessed Virgin Mary was born free from original sin and was exempt from the punishment God gave to Eve, “I will increase your suffering in childbearing, and you will give birth to your children in pain” (Gen 3:16). Thus, they believed that Mary was free from pain when she gave birth to Jesus.
Reflection:
The birth of Jesus in such humble conditions invites us to reflect on the values of simplicity and humility. In a world often driven by materialism and status, the nativity scene calls us to embrace a life of service and compassion. Jesus’ entry into the world in a lowly manger is a profound reminder that God’s love and grace are available to all, regardless of their social or economic status.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who was born in humility to bring salvation to all humanity. Help us to emulate His example of simplicity and service. May we always remember that true greatness lies not in wealth or power, but in love and humility. Guide us to be instruments of Your peace and compassion in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the nativity story serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the extraordinary ways in which He orchestrates salvation history. The journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, driven by a Roman census, illustrates how God can use earthly events to fulfill His divine purpose. This event exemplifies how God uses ordinary events and human decisions to accomplish His divine purposes. As Christians, we are called to embrace humility and obedience, following the example set by Mary and Joseph. Their unwavering faith amid challenging circumstances encourages us to trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
Ultimately, the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem invites believers to reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation—the moment when God became man. This event challenges us to see beyond worldly status and power, reminding us that God often works through the humble and ordinary. As we celebrate this miraculous birth, may we carry the light of Christ into the world, embodying His love and compassion in our daily lives.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, born in humble circumstances. Help us to recognize Your hand in our lives and to trust in Your divine plan. May we embrace humility and serve others with love, following the example of Jesus. Through the intercession of Mary, our Mother, grant us the grace to live according to Your will and to bring Your light into the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.