Below are some interesting insights regarding the circumstances and cultural setting of Jesus’ birth. [From Kristi McLelland’s Luke in the Land Bible study.]

• The journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem was 94 miles.
• Their trip was most likely on foot, not on a donkey, since Mary and Joseph couldn’t even afford a lamb for Jesus’ dedication at the temple.
• The couple would have traveled with a caravan for safety.
• Bethlehem was a village of a few hundred people, many related and descendants of King David. Therefore, family members may have been around or nearby for Jesus’ birth.
• A typical house had two rooms and was built above a cave. A larger room was for eating and sleeping together. A second room was smaller and used as a guest room.
• Families brought their animals in at night to protect them. They were their assets.
• When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, it seems all guest rooms were taken. They probably found privacy in a cave with animals.

Where to find the First Christmas story:

• Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and her response is followed with her visit to her relative, Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45).
• Matthew 1:18-25 tells how Mary and Joseph each learned they would become the “parents” of Jesus.
• Luke 2:1-7 relates the couple’s trip to Bethlehem and Jesus’ birth, followed by the angel’s announcement to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20).
• Matthew 2:1-12 recounts the story of the magi or wisemen visiting Jesus in a house when He was a toddler. After a long journey, the magi arrived about two years after they initially saw the star which they believed to be a sign that a king had been born.

Be encouraged, friends. “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6a).

Praising God for His greatest gift ever and wishing you a blessed Christmas!