Reading the Word

Luke 2:6–7 (ESV)

6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Understanding and Applying the Word

These words are familiar to us. Even if you have never been to church, you have probably observed a nativity scene at one time or another. You also likely know that Jesus’ birth was a little out of the ordinary. The family could not find normal accommodations due to overcrowding during the census, so when Jesus was born, he was placed in a manger, an animal feeding trough.

The familiarity of this story may result in us failing to consider its surprising details. The long-promised Messiah, the King of kings, was born into the world and no one knew it was happening! There was no fanfare. There was no grand celebration. In fact, it happened in the most non-royal way we could imagine. Jesus was wrapped up and placed in the same place that animals ate their dinner. This was no ordinary king like the world was used to. Something different was happening. From this humble beginning, Jesus would go on to change the world forever.

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