Show Don't Tell: Luke 2:1-7

Instead of saying "Jesus was born in Bethlehem," feel the crowded city. In those days Caesar Augustus issues a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This is the first census that takes place while Quirinius is governor of Syria. Everyone goes to their own town to register. Joseph goes up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belongs to the house and line of David. He goes there to register with Mary, who is pledged to be married to him and is expecting a child. While they are there, the time comes for the baby to be born. She gives birth to her firstborn, a son. She wraps him in cloths and places him in a manger, because there is no guest room available for them. The Emperor moves the world; God enters it. A census brings Mary to the prophesied city. No room anywhere—except where animals feed. The King of kings, wrapped in cloths, laid in a feeding trough.