Angels Announce The Birth Of Jesus

Luke – The Great Historian

Luke, an outstanding historian, provides the most complete overview of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. It is very likely that he interviewed Mary, and some of the shepherds who had witnessed the event, in order to provide such vivid detail of the angel’s words, and the reaction of all the participants. Luke reveals that he had a working knowledge of the Temple, and the rotation of the priests. He shares the words exchanged between the Angel and Zacharias, and even identifies the governor of Syria at the time of the first enrollment.

The Gospel of Luke is an outstanding historical account of the life and death of Jesus. There is enough information so that the reader can be certain of the facts that they are reading. And by hearing the Word, Believe.

Prelude To The Nativity – The Annunciation Of Jesus Christ

Everything started with Mary receiving the revelation of the coming Messiah by an Angel named Gabriel. It was exciting news, but there was a problem. She was virgin, and not intimate with any man. She was betrothed to Joseph. An arrangement similar to an engagement, but much more legally and morally binding. She asked Gabriel about conceiving a child without a man. Gabriel explained it carefully. This pregnancy was not to be the result of physical interaction. The Holy Spirit would come upon her, and The Living Word, The Seed, would become flesh in her womb. What would Mary do with this information? Would she doubt it, and ask for a sign like Zacharias? No, just the opposite. She confidently proclaimed, “be it unto me according to your word.” And with that it was settled. Everything was set in motion. She believed God’s Word, and the Living Seed manifested in her womb. Nine moths later, Jesus would be born. (Luke 1:1-80)

The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.

All The World Should Be Taxed

In Rome, some 1,400 miles away, Caesar Augustus made a decision that it was time to count all the people living in the empire, declaring that the whole world should be taxed – a sentiment shared by too many in power today. It did not matter how much difficulty this census would cause, or the hardship of a new tax, all that mattered was wealth for those in charge, and controlling the people conquered by Roman might. This reveals a major difference between the Babylonian system, or governments controlled by the god of this world, and the Kingdom of God. God gives abundantly, and sets people free. Unrighteous governments enslave, control, and steal. God can and does work through even the most evil leadership. However, life is so much better for everyone when Spirit-filled Believers, righteous men and women of exceptional integrity, are in power. If a nation truly trusts God, it IS BLESSED. (1 Samuel 8:4-22, Psalm 33:4-12, Proverbs 11:1-11, 28:1-28, 29:2, John 10:10, Romans 12:1-21, 13:1-14, 1 Timothy 2:1-5, 1 Peter 2:13-17)

Mary And Joseph Travel To Bethlehem

God, speaking through the prophet Micah, had promised that Bethlehem Ephrathah would be the birthplace of His King (Micah 5:2). God had to get Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, almost 90 miles away, and about four days by foot under the best conditions – maybe several more days for someone traveling pregnant. This was not a journey one would make, especially late in a pregnancy, unless forced to by circumstances beyond their control.

As always, God has even the smallest detail under control. With the census, each person had to return to their ancestral home, which for Joseph and Mary coincidentally, meant Bethlehem. For those that trust God, there seems to be a lot of “coincidences.”

No Room In The Inn

While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Because the village was crowded with people who were there for the census, they settled for less than spectacular lodging, and a manger became Jesus’ crib, at least for a short time. As a righteous man and woman living in Covenant with God, and with Joseph’s carpentry training, there is no reason to believe that they were destitute. God is very capable of supplying His children abundantly with everything they need. Within a few months, an entourage of wise men, large enough to get the king’s attention, as well as stir up all of Jerusalem, would arrive carrying gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This would be more than enough to fund the family’s trip to, and time in Egypt.

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.
— Luke 2:7 <KJV>

Some have used these humble beginnings to preach that poverty is somehow noble, or a blessing. Try telling that to someone who can’t feed their children. Poverty is a curse. God is Love, and He wants everyone abundantly blessed, so they can bless others. Jesus came to preach The Blessing, and free you from the curse. As you read this story, focus on a loving Heavenly Father directing, protecting, and supplying everything this young family needed. God is Good! His Word can be trusted. (Genesis 24:34-35, Deuteronomy 8:17-18, 28:1-68, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 10:22, Matthew 6:26-33, Luke 6:38, John 10:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-12, Galatians 3:12-13, Philippians 4:18-19, 1 John 4:15-19, 3 John 1:2)

Was Jesus Born On December 25?

The night Jesus was born, there were shepherds watching over their sheep in the fields near Bethlehem. The fact that they were outside is fairly solid evidence that Jesus was not born in December, but more likely at a time when it was warm enough to be outside all night and there was plenty of food for the sheep. Also, travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem would have been more easily accomplished during warmer months, especially for someone great with child. It is unlikely Rome would impose a census at a time when it would cause even more resentment because of weather. And it would be disastrous to interfere with the much needed planting and harvests during the growing season of an agricultural society. It would be far easier to conduct the census at a time when the agricultural work was done, and people were already traveling to attend a Feast. In no way does that diminish Christmas celebrations on December 25th. But you should always defer to God’s Word, and reject tradition when it contradicts His Truth.

The noted theologian E. W. Bullinger presents a compelling case in the Appendix of his Companion Bible that December 25 was actually the date that the Angel appeared to Mary, and the Word became flesh. Then, 280 days later, Jesus tabernacled with us at the start of the Feast of Tabernacles. Eight days later, on the last day or Great Day of the Feast, he was circumcised. (I found this source from a Jewish perspective to also be helpful on this subject – Was Jesus Really Born On December 25th?)

The animals that were used for the Temple sacrifices came from this flock, so these shepherds were critical to the religious life of the entire nation. Few people understood so profoundly the price of atonement better than those who were nourishing and protecting the sacrificial lambs on a daily basis. This was just a temporary solution to the sin problem. God had promised to send a Savior, Love Himself, to redeem man once and for all. God wanted His family back. The first Adam had sinned, plunging all of humanity into spiritual darkness and death. The Last Adam would voluntarily sacrifice himself on the cross and pay the debt for all mankind. And by faith in Jesus, you can be saved and spiritually reborn into God’s family. I praise God every day for this! (Genesis 22:8, 22:13-18, John 1:29, 5:21-24, Romans 5:1-21, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49, Hebrews 9:9-15, Hebrews 10:1-23, 1 Peter 1:18-25)

Fear Not! I Bring You Good Tidings Of Great Joy!

An angel appeared to them and they were frightened by the glory of the Lord that lit up the night sky. This was the Shekinah, or glorious presence of God. When your whole life is focused on the physical world, when confronted by the spiritual, it can be alarming. A natural reaction to the supernatural is fear. Its no surprise that the angel’s first words were to tell the shepherds not to be afraid. God wants reverence, fellowship, faith, and love. No Believer should ever be afraid of their Heavenly Father, or His messengers. Once you place your faith in Jesus, you are changed from the inside out. You no longer have a spirit of fear, but of Love, because you are now in the family of God. God’s perfect Love removes all fear. The Believer is a new creation, made spiritually alive, an Ambassador of Christ, and has the freedom to boldly approach God’s throne of grace. Don’t leave that baby born in Bethlehem in the manger. He grew up and lives in you. You are God’s Temple on Earth, His dwelling place, the Body of Christ, with Jesus as the Head of the Body. You are spiritually sitting with Jesus right now beside God in Heaven. You may not feel that this is true, but feelings don’t matter. Its what you Believe that counts. And you can Believe God’s Word. (John 14:19-27, Romans 8:13-17, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Ephesians 2:4-10, Hebrews 4:12-16, 1 John 4:15-18)

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men.

For Unto You Is Born This Day A Savior – Christ The Lord

What was this Good News that the angel was sharing? What was so important that God’s messengers, the entire angelic host, could not control their joy? What happened on Earth that would elicit enough Heavenly praise to be seen and heard in the natural realm? It was not just a birth of a child. That certainly brings much joy to family and friends, but this was something bigger. It was not just a king, prophet, or leader. Israel had seen many of those in its history and never did you see this kind of response. No, this was something so much greater. They were rejoicing over the birth of Immanuel (or Emmanuel), God with us. Think about that. God sent Himself – not an angel or a prophet. God’s Word became flesh. Jesus entered the sheepfold by the door. He did not climb over the wall, or sneak in like a thief, or the father of lies. He legally entered the Earth as a baby, experiencing the same challenges that humanity faces every day. He came in love and humility, demonstrating Righteousness, Love, and Overcoming Faith. You can identify with Jesus because God lived as a man. Jesus stepped down, so he could raise you up with him. In other words, Jesus became one with you in sin and death, so that you are one with him in Life and Righteousness. Let this Truth get anchored in your spirit. (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, John 1:1-14, 10:1-11, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 2:6-14, Hebrews 2:9-11, 2:14-18)

The Shepherds Worship Jesus

After the angels left, the shepherds ran to Bethlehem to see Jesus. They found the child just as the angel had described. And they praised God for Jesus, and told everyone what they had witnessed. They shared the good news that God is with us. Now that is some really good news! (Luke 2:1-20)

It seems very appropriate that the angel would announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds. He is called the Lamb of God, Good Shepherd, Gate of the Sheep and Shepherd of God’s People. Who else could appreciate him more than people who lived this life every day. I have often wondered if like David, these shepherds talked to God daily, and were expectantly waiting for the Messiah. They may have even heard about the events surrounding John’s birth and knew the prophecies and signs of the times. There was a definite plan and purpose for the angel to share the news with this group. They had willing hearts and received the news with joy. Then, they immediately sought out Jesus. And finally, they shared the Good News with everyone else. (Psalm 23, Psalm 95:6-7, Micah 5:2-5, Matthew 2:5-6, John 1:29-36, John 10:1-30, Hebrews 13:20-21, 1 Peter 1:18-21, Revelation 12:10-11)

I Bring You Good Tidings Of Great Joy. God Is With Us!

The lesson you can learn from the shepherds is when you seek Jesus with all your heart, you will find Him. When you find Jesus, and really get to know him through God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, you can’t help but praise God and share the Good News with others. Don’t leave Jesus in that manger, or only think about him at Christmas. Jesus is with you every moment of every day. God is with us. That is VERY GOOD NEWS!

Some Other Suggestions For The Angels Visiting The Shepherds To Announce Jesus’ Birth:
Angels, Shepherds & Good Tidings of Great Joy – A paraphrase of the Nativity story

Kirsi, The Little Lost Lamb – A story about a little lamb that risks her life to see Jesus. This adaptation of the Nativity story includes a lesson on searching for Christ.

Christmas Is Just Presents? – My blog post on the greatest gift ever – Love.

For additional Nativity of Jesus resources

May God Richly Bless You!
Thanks for visiting!

Image Source: Gabriel Visits Mary, Angel Visits Shepherds – Good News Productions International and College Press Publishing

Image Source: Birth Of Jesus – Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org