Every single fact recounted here has a 2nd level of meaning. Luke is not so much interested in history as in its interpretation. The significance of each event is more important than its historical accuracy.

Indeed,some of the facts are disputed. But this does not alter the meaning or significance one bit. For example,Ceasar Augustus may or may not have ordered that a census be taken. There is no evidence from any other source that he did. But the meaning is that Ceasar Augustus was known as a bringer of peace,& Luke wants to point out that the real bringer of peace is Jesus.

There was no room for the Holy Family in the inn-a fitting & consistent circumstance for one who would be spurned,despised & rejected. Whether or not Jesus was laid in a manger,Luke means to say that this child is food for the world. Were the shepherds truly the first to hear of the birth of this lowly Messiah? The question misses the point. The point is that shepherds were part of the lowest social class of the time-the kind of people for whom this humble Messiah will show preference & special love. The wonderful events happened in Bethlehem because it is the "City of David" & all the prophets knew the Messiah would be born from that royal line.

Finally,you will be amazed by the change in your proclamation of this text when you are attentive to significance of every detail itself. Simply holding in your mind the meaning of the events will affect your reading in a wonderful way.

Above all else,read the passage lovingly,for this story reveal just how God loves us & the moral of the story is that let us come & worship the Christ Child who was born in Bethlehem for Christmas.

That's all folks for another edition of "LHMusic's Musical Notes Singing Calendar Of Events for the holiday season & if you want more information & concerns about my webpage spinoff,just write to me at: