Upon arriving in Joseph’s hometown, instead of love, Joseph and Mary were shunned by some family members, at first. Their residence was Nazareth, in the region of Galilee, which had been a region within ancient Israel. But the ten northern tribes, called Israel at the time of their demise, were conquered by the Assyrians in 722-721 B.C. Yet Joseph was an Israelite from the tribe of Judah, and a descendant of King David. Thus when the Roman emperor demanded a census, the newly married couple had to travel south to Bethlehem, the town of Joseph’s lineage, to register.
Scripture gives the brief explanation as to why they had to spend the night in a stable: “…there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). Could not an innkeeper do anything possible to take in a woman about to give birth? Ancient near east inns were more than likely to be dens for liquor and adultery. Since business was hopping, the beautiful realm of birth was shut out. However, most Hebrew travelers would stay with relatives in Judea. I have long been convinced that Joseph and Mary, at a desperate hour, were trying to get a room in the inn at Bethlehem since all of their relatives had refused to welcome the couple into their homes. Why? Mary had become pregnant out of wedlock. Relatives shunned Mary thinking she had committed adultery. They responded in the opposite manner of Elizabeth, a relative of Mary, who was aware Mary was impregnated by the Holy Spirit, and who was elated to have Mary stay with her during the time of her early pregnancy (see Luke 1:42-43). Thus, Mary had to give birth in a stable, or barn.
How incredible that from such suffering by Mary and Joseph, God the Son gloriously entered into this hurting and needy world. And Jesus will bring goodness from the suffering of all of us who are obedient to Him. Jesus Christ died on a cross for the forgiveness of sins of anyone. Jesus was the atoning sacrifice for the consequence of sins, which is spiritual death. Then Jesus was resurrected. If you believe in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you will be saved, and you will have everlasting life. Jesus loves you!!!
Merry Christmas! love, Hunter
