Jesus Is Born and the Shepherds Visit

Context

Caesar Augustus ruled a vast Roman world that included Galilee and Judea. Decisions made far away could reshape the lives of ordinary people throughout his territories.

Joseph lived in Nazareth in Galilee, and Mary was pledged to marry him. Joseph belonged to the family line of David, Israel’s great king, whose ancestral town was Bethlehem in Judea. Bethlehem was known as the City of David, and David’s line was connected with the hope of God’s promised ruler. That background gives weight to the journey about to begin.

Story

Caesar Augustus issued an order that people throughout the Roman world were to be registered. This first registration took place while Quirinius governed Syria, and everyone went to their own town to register.

For Joseph, that meant leaving Nazareth and traveling to Bethlehem. He went because he belonged to David’s house and family line. Mary went with him. She was expecting a child, and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to give birth.

Mary gave birth to her firstborn child, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger, a feeding trough, because there was no place available for them in the lodging.

In the countryside nearby, shepherds were staying in the fields and watching over their flock through the night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the Lord’s glory shone around them. The shepherds were terrified.

The angel told them not to be afraid. He had brought good news of great joy for all people. That very day, in the City of David, a Savior had been born for them. He was the promised Messiah and Lord.

The shepherds were also given a sign: they would find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Suddenly, a great company from heaven joined the angel, praising God:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace.”

When the angels had gone back into heaven, the shepherds turned to one another. They decided to go to Bethlehem and see what had happened—the event the Lord had made known to them.

They hurried into the town and found Mary and Joseph. There was the baby, lying in a manger, just as the angel had said.

After seeing him, the shepherds told others what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard their report was amazed. Mary treasured all these things and continued to ponder them in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It had all happened just as they had been told.

What We Learned

• The child lying in a manger is identified as Savior, Messiah, and Lord; his humble surroundings do not lessen who he is.
• The good news brings great joy and reaches beyond one family or group—it is announced for all people.
• The shepherds respond by listening, going to see, and telling others what God has made known.
• Mary’s quiet reflection and the shepherds’ joyful praise show different faithful responses to what God has done.