Birth of Jesus Christ brought hope for all

With our Lord’s birth we have the promise of redemption paid for in the accomplishments and sacrifice of his ministry and life.

With Jesus’ crucifixion and death came also his resurrection and ascension, bringing to us God’s gift of the Holy Spirit and promise of eternal life. We are also given the promise of his return. He will return to set up God’s Kingdom here upon Earth and make right all that is wrong.

Jesus Christ is the hope of all mankind. Without the birth of Jesus Christ mankind has no hope and thus left solely with despair.

Consider the wonderful proclamation of Luke 2:11-14: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, 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.’” (All Scripture is from the Authorized King James Version unless noted otherwise.)

The Aramaic text of verse 11 reads, “Good hope for men.”

Our hope is good, reiterated for us in II Thessalonians 2:16: “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.”

All this and so much more because of our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God for the birth of Jesus Christ!

The record of Jesus’ birth reveals magnificent truths. Observe Luke 2:1-3: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.”

The words “should be taxed” are from the Greek “apographo,” meaning write off, register or enroll.

Caesar Augustus was preparing to celebrate his silver jubilee (25th anniversary) as Roman emperor in 2 B.C.

Prior to the celebration he wanted an accounting of his subjects and an official declaration of political allegiance. Registrations such as this were typically conducted in the fall of the year when weather was mild for travel.

Cyrenius was governor of Syria in 6 A.D. This “first” registration was made in 3 B.C. when Cyrenius had been sent to Syria to command the registration process. Later in 6/7 A.D., while he was governor, a second registration took place. The word “first” is the key to understanding the historical evidence.

Luke 2:4 goes on to say, “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David).”

We learn from this that Jesus was born in the fall of 3 B.C. and in Nazareth due to the lineage of Mary and Joseph. The prophets of old prophesied of this. The Bible records the place of our Lord’s birth among many other things — all testifying to the divine authorship of the Scripture.

Read Luke 2:6, 7: “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Wrapping in swaddling clothes was customary for kings.

We know what brought them to Bethlehem, when it was and why there was no room at the inn, which was full with travelers from every corner of Caesar Augustus’ realm of influence.

They weren’t rejected at the inn or too poor to cover the costs. There simply were no vacancies. This inn was a khan or lodging house for caravans. It would have had an inner courtyard and stables for caravan animals along the outside back wall. Within each stable would be a manger with straw to feed the animals. Each would have been impeccably clean as was the custom. Some have alleged the manger to have animal filth even as they’ve asserted Joseph and family to be impoverished. Scripture refutes this as well as Dec. 25 for our Lord’s birth.

Biblical, chronological, historical and astronomical evidence concerning the birth date of the promised Messiah points to Wednesday, Sept. 11, 3 B.C. between the hours of 6:18 (sunset and 7:39 p.m. (setting of the moon) Palestine time.

The only thing that can trump his birth is his return. Good hope for men, Jesus Christ is coming back!

The Rev. Linus A. Mathis III is the founder and director of Frontier Christian Ministries.