Angels announce birth of Jesus (Luke 2:6-10)

While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (NASB) Luke 2:6-7

We do not know if Mary gave birth shortly after they arrived in Bethlehem or if they were there for some time before Jesus was born. God does not tell us. But it appears that they had just arrived because Joseph and Mary were not able to stay in an inn. The only place available to them was a stable with a manger.

The Greek word for inn is KATALYMA and is the same word used for an inn, a guest-room or an upper room, such as the one in which Jesus and His disciples had the Passover. Luke 2:7 says that Joseph and Mary were unable to find a regular empty room in which to stay. The only place offered to them was the room in which the animals stayed for the evening. That would mean the room was on the lower floor of the building. In ancient Palestine, animals were usually brought indoors for the evening. While the Bible does not tell us exactly what happened, more than likely Mary and Joseph stayed with the animals along with some other travelers. The manger was a feeding trough - the only bed they could find for their baby. An early church father, Justin Martyr, states that Jesus was born in a cave (Letter to Paulinius, 58.3). Today, the Church of the Nativity, originally built in 325 A.D., stands over the traditional site of the cave.

Comfort. I wonder how this poor, tired, troubled couple felt? What a humble beginning. Yet, their baby was going to change everything for them. Babies are soft, cuddly, and fun. They are a joy from the Lord. But after awhile their sin nature becomes obvious, and they can become very unhappy individuals. Any mother and father who have had a little baby knows that little ones can be selfish, demanding, and disobedient. But Jesus must have been a surprise to Mary and Joseph. He was God in human flesh - a perfect baby. Did He sleep through those early nights? Why did God visit us in the weakest possible way? He came as a weak baby!

Why did God enter our world like this? Why not have the angels announce His birth to the world? Why come as a baby and lie in a manger in some cave? Why did He choose a poor mother and not a rich one? He could have been born to a rich family and lived in a palace with power and prestige. Why did He come like this? He came to experience the life most of us experience and not that of a rich man!

The Shepherds. There were no announcements, except to a group of shepherds in the dark of night. Shepherding was not the most desired occupation when Jesus was born. There were better professions, but isn't it wonderful that God announced Jesus' birth to humble, poor shepherds and not to rich people? God cares about everyone!

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. (NASB) Luke 2:8-9

Suddenly the shepherds' dark night was aglow with an angel's presence. The Greek text implies that the angel was actually standing on the ground and was not up in the sky as depicted in many paintings. The night was aflame with fire, and the shepherds were very frightened. The Greek text says that "they fearing fear greatly." These men and/or women were unbelievably afraid. This was a gut-wrenching experience for them. Have your teeth ever "chattered" because you were afraid? Or, maybe you could not speak? These shepherds were scared.

The Announcement. Do angels care about us? Can angels understand us? The answer is found in the angel's reply to the shepherds. He knew how the shepherds felt, and he cared that they were afraid. Therefore, he encouraged them not to be afraid.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people . . ." (NASB) Luke 2:10