Carols Devotional: “What Child Is This, Part 3”

Luke 2:1-7

Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?

Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.  Micah 5.2.  It always amazes me how God works through ungodly men to bring about his purposes.  Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, decreed that a census be taken.  This was to take place every 14 years but it was the means God used to bring Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem at the time when Mary was due to give birth. Bethlehem was the city of David and both Mary and Joseph were descendants from David.

So many people were crowding into this little town that all the inns and lodging places were full.  Out of desperation Joseph took the only place offered to them – a stable.

Bethlehem means “house of bread.”  How appropriate that Jesus, the bread of life  (John 6:35) would be born in the “house of bread,” and be laid in a manger, the place where animals get their food.

Jesus said in John 6:57, I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.”  He, who came from the riches of heaven, had the lowliest of births, so that we might partake of him and live forever with him in the splendor of heaven.

What wondrous love!!!  Haste, haste to bring him laud.