Dr. Chris’ Christmas Blogs 2022
Week 4
In his article “The Birth – Revisited” haRold Smith explains that tradition makes us think that Joseph and Mary had no place to go and became “stuck” in an animal stable as a last resort to give birth to the Messiah. He says that Scripture does not support this.
The Greek word for “inn” is “kataluma,” which means “guest chamber” – and of the family home. Jewish family homes had a “guest chamber – kataluma” which was available for the family guests. Kataluma is translated in Luke 2:7 as “inn,” however in Luke 22:11 when Jesus is seeking a place to celebrate Passover, it is translated as guest chamber. The term guest chamber is certainly a valid interpretation and is much more in keeping with Jewish family life of that time.
Scripture says that “while they were there” the time had come for Mary to give birth. In all likelihood they did not start on their journey right before Mary gave birth. They probably had been in Bethlehem for a while before it was the time for Jesus to be born arrived. They would have been staying in the guest chamber of the family home in Bethlehem.
They were both descendants of King David, as were their families. This would have been a nice home in which they were staying.
However, when a Jewish woman gave birth, she became “ceremonially unclean.” She needed to be separated from the family, so that they also would not become unclean by her blood, released during childbirth.
Joseph and Mary needed to move out of the guest chamber of the family home. Their family would not have ostracized them and forced them to move to an animal stable at a time of childbirth.
Where did they go?
They went to the Watchtower of the Flock.
How did they know? Did the Lord tell them? Did an angel appear to Joseph in another dream?
Did they understand from Scripture?
Being of the linage of King David, they would know of the prophecies about the birth of the Messiah. They knew that Mary was carrying the Messiah.
They understood what the Bible said about the birth of the Messiah, and how He would be revealed from Migdal Eder. The birth chamber would be ceremonially clean for the sacrificial lambs; thus, clean for the birth of the Messiah. The Bible does not say explicitly, but they went there for Jesus to be born. But the angels sent the shepherds of the Temple flock to certify to the world that the Messiah was born.
Let us close this study with Luke Chapter 2 and see how all we have studied fits so well into these verses.
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them (Luke 2:1-20 NKJV – author’s emphasis).