Day 14 – Christ Born of Mary
Study Luke 2:1-7
“to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.” Luke 2:5
Luke does not elaborate on the birth itself, but rather focuses on the historical timeline and the reason for the journey to Bethlehem. It was not common for a pregnant woman to travel long distances in those days, but for the prophesies to come into fulfilment, this was more a divine call than a governmental one. Ceaser might be ruling, but God is overruling.
There are two reasons the Roman government would call a census: to gauge the number of men available for military service and to assess taxes to fund the government. However, it was according to the Hebrew tradition that they should be registered in the town of their tribe – Joseph was from King David’s lineage, making Bethlehem (David’s ancient home) the place for all these descendants.
At the divinely appointed time, Jesus was born. It seems Luke’s description is very brief, but digging a little deeper carries much more value. Mary swaddles Jesus in swaddling cloths. In our modern time, we think of cute, fluffy baby blankets, but swaddling cloths were actually strips of cloth wrapped around the infant. Medical studies indicate that this age-old practice helps babies to fall asleep (the shepherds found Jesus asleep). It also helps to keep the baby in a supine position, lowering the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Unswaddling is a metaphor for abandonment (Ezekiel 16:4).
Pray with me: Father, thank You that You divinely orchestrate to the finest detail. You leave nothing to chance. Though we might feel we do not want to go on a journey or do something out of our comfort zone, You already know the outcome. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I made up excuses not to go somewhere or do something. May all the journeys You take me on be fruitful for Your Kingdom. Amen. ©
Love, Pastor Iriza
