The Promised King: The Birth of Jesus

(Based on Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20)

Joseph’s Dilemma

Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth, came from the royal line of Judah, tracing his ancestry back to King David. His lineage held stories of God’s grace, where names like Rahab, a woman of Jericho who trusted God, and Ruth, a Moabite who left her homeland for Bethlehem, shone as reminders that God’s love extended to all who believed in Him.

Joseph eagerly awaited his marriage to Mary, a young woman he deeply respected and admired. But his joy turned to sorrow when he discovered that Mary was expecting a child. He believed she had been unfaithful, and the pain of the perceived betrayal weighed heavily on his heart.

Because Joseph was a kind and righteous man, he decided to end their betrothal quietly, sparing Mary public disgrace. That night, as he wrestled with his decision, God intervened. In a dream, an angel appeared, saying:

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child she carries is conceived through the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).

When Joseph awoke, his heart was lightened. Mary had not been unfaithful; she was chosen by God for a divine purpose. Without hesitation, Joseph married Mary and vowed to protect her and the child she bore.

The Journey to Bethlehem

Some months later, Emperor Augustus ordered a census across the Roman Empire. Each Jewish man had to travel to his ancestral town to register. For Joseph, this meant a long journey to Bethlehem, the city of David, where his family originated (Luke 2:1-3).

Though Mary was close to giving birth, Joseph brought her along, ensuring she was not left behind in Nazareth. The road to Bethlehem was long and arduous, stretching nearly a week. By day, they walked through rocky paths and open fields; by night, they rested under the stars.

At last, the little town of Bethlehem came into view. Its hills were dotted with olive trees, and the fields that surrounded it were quiet in the evening light. However, as they searched for lodging, they found that the town was crowded with travelers. Every inn was full.

Finally, an innkeeper took pity on them. While he had no room, he offered them the shelter of a stable—a cave-like dwelling where animals were kept. It was humble and rough, but it provided a place to rest.

The Birth of Jesus

That night, among the animals and the straw, Mary gave birth to her son. Joseph held the newborn child, his heart swelling with awe. They named him Jesus, just as the angel had instructed.

Mary wrapped her baby in long strips of cloth to keep him warm and safe, as was the custom. With no cradle, they laid him gently in a manger filled with hay. The promised King, the Savior of the world, had entered into the humblest of beginnings (Luke 2:6-7).

The Shepherds’ Visit

In the hills outside Bethlehem, shepherds watched over their flocks. Their night began like any other, with the quiet bleating of sheep and the crackling of their campfire. But suddenly, the sky erupted with a brilliant light. A shining angel appeared before them, and the shepherds were terrified.

“Do not be afraid,” the angel said. “I bring you good news of great joy for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. You will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).

Before they could respond, the heavens filled with countless angels, their voices lifting in a celestial chorus:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

As quickly as they had appeared, the angels vanished, leaving the shepherds in awestruck silence. They looked at one another, their fear replaced by wonder and excitement.

“Let’s go to Bethlehem,” they said. “Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried through the dark fields to the town and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger, just as the angel had described. Overwhelmed with joy, they knelt in worship before the child.

After sharing their story with Mary and Joseph, the shepherds returned to their flocks, praising God with every step. The fields echoed with their songs of thanksgiving, for everything had happened exactly as the angel said (Luke 2:15-20).

Mary’s Quiet Reflection

As the shepherds left, Mary sat quietly, holding her child and pondering all that had been said about him. She treasured the words of the angel and the shepherds, marveling at how God’s promises were unfolding through her tiny son (Luke 2:19).

Joseph, too, stood watch over the sleeping child, his heart filled with a deep sense of purpose. He knew that this baby was no ordinary child but the one destined to save the world.

The Promised King

In the humblest of places, to a carpenter and a young woman of faith, the Promised King was born. The Savior had come, bringing hope, joy, and peace—not just to Israel but to all the world.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).