THE TRIP TO BETHLEHEM
I’m not sure of where we got the postcard image of Joseph walking through the desert at night leading a donkey with Mary riding it but it’s almost certainly not the way it happened. Remember that this was a census for the purpose of collecting taxes and everyone was required to go to his own city (Luke 2:1-3). Every member of Joseph’s and Mary’s family would have been of “of the house and lineage of David.” This would include any living parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; they all would have had to make the trip and it only makes sense for them to all travel together. Where are they on the postcards?
THE DAY OF THE BIRTH
For some reason, movies like to show the couple arriving in Bethlehem with Mary already in labor. In a hurry to find accommodations, all they can arrange is makeshift quarters in the inn keeper’s stable where Mary gives birth that same night. It’s quite dramatic.
The Bible, however, merely says that she delivered Jesus, “while they were there” (Luke 2:6). More precisely, the verse says, “while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered,” strongly suggesting they arrived in Bethlehem at some point in Mary’s pregnancy, and remained there until Jesus was born. They could have been there for days, weeks, or even months!
WAS JESUS BORN IN A STABLE?
My next point is probably the most controversial and puts me at odds with most Christians but I don’t believe Jesus was born in a stable. What we think of as an inn (like a hotel or motel) didn’t exist in the 1st century - especially in a small town like Bethlehem. The word translated as inn in the KJV (Strong’s 2646, kataluma, καταλύμα) is the same word used in Mark 14:14 to refer to the room where Jesus had the Last Supper. In Mark, the word is translated as guestchamber and suggests it was just an area in a residence available for guests. Typical Jewish homes in the 1st century weren’t spacious buildings with many bedrooms. Instead, they were smaller buildings built upward with a second floor. Mundane living, cooking, and family gathering was done on the 1st floor during the day. At night, the animals (typically some goats or maybe a donkey) were brought inside, and the family slept on the 2nd floor. As already discussed, Mary and Joseph would have had family in Bethlehem and they likely would have been staying with them. Because of the census, many members of the same family were probably staying in the same house, making the normal sleeping areas overcrowded. This, combined with Mary nearing delivery and so would have had difficulty climbing to the 2nd floor, means Mary and Joseph may have been sleeping on the 1st floor where the animals were kept. This is the type of situation Jesus likely was born into - a poor, overcrowded home - not a stable.
THE WISE MEN
The final misconception many people have about the Nativity is that the wisemen weren’t there! This point really isn’t debateable. The coming of the wise men discussed in Matthew 2 happened when Jesus was nearing 2 years old. Matthew 2:16 says that Herod ordered the murder of all children up to two years old “according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.” In other words, the wise men had seen the “star” as long as two years earlier and had just then arrived to worship the Savior.
Oh, and by the way, nowhere does the Bible say there were 3 wise men. Since the word being used is plural, we can only say there was more than one. Beyond that, how many there were is speculation. Perhaps the idea of 3 became popular because there were 3 types of gifts given - gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Tradition also says there were 3 and even claims to have their names: Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar. Regardless of tradition and speculation, the Bible is silent on the number. Whatever the number, they weren’t there on the night of Jesus’ birth.
In conclusion…
When I point out these little details, some people despair. I’m not sure why. I guess it’s because it upsets the scene of that night they have always pictured in their minds but there’s no need to lament. The most important details about Jesus’ birth have been recorded correctly. It’s the message given by the angel to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-14:
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 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.
Wow, that is good news!!
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