Luke 2
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Why is Caesar Augustus even mentioned by the Holy Spirit? He was one of the worst heathen. But it was through his doing that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
He ruled the world and sent out a decree that the whole world should be counted and taxed. He passed the law so that ultimately he could see how many people he ruled and how much tax he could get. He knew nothing of spiritual things or God, yet God used him to get Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem on time for the birth of the Child.
Before this decree Joseph and Mary lived in Nazereth preparing for the arrival of the Child. But the Child had to be born in Bethlehem, for so was the prophesy of old. Joseph would not do that 25h journey with his wife near to be delivered. But because Caesar had spoken they had no option and had to go to Bethlehem.
When they arrived in Bethlehem there was no room in the inn and they had to stay in the stable with the animals. However, they were oblivious to their humble circumstances, being overjoyed at the arrival of the Child.
The angels in heaven too were overjoyed at this event – God becoming man. We read that a great heavenly host, probably millions of angels, rejoiced and praised God. This was God’s day, and the angels could not keep silent but rejoiced greatly.
See how the angels were deeply moved at this event while some people are ignorant of it.
This is a matter of great joy that He was born as the Saviour of the world, to save us from our sin.
Have you seen the joy of prisoners being freed from jail? Have you experienced that joy of being set free from sin and eternal damnation? How can you be depressed when Jesus has set you free?
The Bible is an amazing book. There is not one word in the Bible without a meaning. He even directs the steps and thoughts of a heathen king.
Once the shepherds experienced this they made these things widely known. They could not keep silent. They published it from house to house. If the Lord has worked in your life you will not be able to keep quiet but tell of His wonders.