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+title = "Luke 2:1–8"
+date = "2022-10-22"
++++
+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk2.1-8)
+
+In order to fulfill the prophecy in Micah that the Messiah would be born in
+Bethlehem, Mary needed to travel there. God directed the Roman government to
+conduct a census that required Joseph to pack up with his whole family there.
+It's interesting that Mary and Joseph still aren't married yet, as v. 5 calls
+her "his betrothed". Popular imagery always depicts this journey as Joseph
+leading Mary on a donkey, by themselves. But in reality they would have been
+too poor for even a pack animal, and both their extended families would have
+needed to travel to Bethlehem at the same time since they are descended from
+King David too.
+
+The Greek word for "inn" in the first century doesn't have the connotation of a
+professional room renter. It's really just a general term for "place you stay".
+Both Mary and Joseph probably had relatives living in Bethlehem that they
+stayed with. Have you ever had a Christmas or other event where _all_ your
+cousins were under one roof for an extended stay? Every room in the house will
+have temporary beds set up, with as many people together as you can fit. Now
+add a birth to the mix. It was also common in that time for livestock to live
+in the same buildings as people, especially when you can't afford a separate
+barn or stable. There probably was literally no more room for a tiny baby to
+sleep in, so they put him in a food trough until they could figure out
+something else.
+
+* * *
+
+You are sovereign over the nations, and no detail escapes Your notice.