The Night That Changed History

Along with the crucifixion and resurrection, the birth of Jesus without doubt ranks as one of the greatest events in history.

While as believers we can certainly understand why those are the three greatest events in history, unfortunately, those beliefs aren’t shared by the majority people.

On most lists that are compiled showing what usually considered to be the greatest lists in human history, it’s rare when any. Much less all three of those events are ever listed.

But it really shows the lack of consideration and attention the world gives to God.

And while, that sadly is the attitude of much of our world today, sadly it wasn’t very much different when Jesus was born in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago.

Israel was under dominating Roman rule, which led to the average Israelite being very much against the Roman government.

While the nation desired independence from Rome, Israel’s leaders attempted to ingratiate themselves with Rome, while still attempting to keep the Jewish people in line.

All of which meant, that neither the Jewish leadership nor the people in general were looking for the coming of the Lord.

No one realized that on one night in the tiny Judean village of Bethlehem, all human history was about to change forever.

While we almost always rightly associate Christmas with light, the irony is that Jesus was born during a time of complete spiritual darkness for the nation of Israel.

Up to the time of Christ’s birth, the Lord had not communicated with His people for 400 years because of their sin.

So, it could be said that anger and darkness highlighted the times before the Light was about to enter the world:

Isaiah 9:1-2

In many respects, the condition of darkness extended to Mary and Joseph, since she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit during the one-year espousal period before their planned marriage.

During the espousal period, while couples were culturally and socially looked upon as husband and wife, they were prohibited from sexual intimacy. Therefore, when Mary became pregnant, in essence they also had a dark cloud over them.

Being a righteous man, Joseph had intended on divorcing Mary privately (thus attempting to prevent her from public shame and ridicule, until an angel advised him not to hesitate to marry her:

Matthew 1:19-20

There was yet another obstacle which the couple faced. The emperor Caesar Augustus had imposed a census, mandating that everyone register.

While Mary and Joseph had both lived in Nazareth, because they were both from the line of David, they had to register in Bethlehem, which was David’s hometown.

It would have required a treacherous journey, especially for someone nine-month pregnant. However, Mary was carrying God’s Son, and He safely led them exactly to where Jesus was to be born. And that place would be a dark, smelly stable, used as a shelter for animals during the cold of night.

So, we see how Jesus, the Light of the world, came into the world, at exactly the perfect time – a time of great spiritual, cultural, and political darkness.

But He didn’t come to be a cultural, political, or even a religious leader. Jesus came as Savior, to take away our sins, and to provide us with eternal life.

Therefore, Jesus indeed changed history forever:

Matthew 1:21

• Jesus forever changed history, since as the Son, on He can provide access to the Father.
• The Baby born in that Bethlehem stable, came for only one purpose, to die on a Roman cross thirty-three years later, since it would be His death which would pay for our sins.