RTW 2024

And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.  She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Luke 2:4-6

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
Luke 2:36-38

• “Newborn babies had their navels cut and were washed with water, salted and wrapped in swaddling clothes…The “manger” was the feeding trough of the animals. This is the only indication that Jesus was born in a stable. Very early tradition suggests that his birthplace was a cave, perhaps being used as a stable…On the other hand the reference may have been to a guest chamber within a private home (Mark 14:14).” Archaeological Study Bible (I said mangers could be carved out of cement, oops, I meant rock!)
• At the house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ Mark 14:14
• The word traditionally translated “inn” was the Greek work katalyma, used in Luke 2:7 and Mark 14:14, the upper room where the last supper was held. It probably meant something more like “home” or “guest room”--a spare room in a private house rather than in a public inn. Mary could have given birth within the house, but on the lower level courtyard area where animals were kept, or in a cave attached to or near the house.
• Herod the Great was named “king of the Jews” by the Roman Senate to rule the region of Judea on its behalf. Herod had massive building projects. Herodian was a monumental fortress-palace in southeast Bethlehem. It contained defensive towers, pools, a Roman-style theater and his own mausoleum named after himself. Herod was violent and paranoid about losing his power.
• Herod built “legacy” through violence and force and pride. Jesus built legacy through loving God and loving others.
• The lineage of Jesus and fulfillment of prophecy were proof of  Jesus’ kingship.
• Herod's palace and pool at Caesarea
• Herodian Fortress near Bethlehem

Look for Jesus: Humility, love, healing, service, eternal “wealth,” focused on building the Kingdom.