A few years ago (12-26-2013), we published a blog about whether Jesus was born in a stable or in a private residence. That prompted me to ask a few more questions about the traditional Christmas story. These questions will be on my list to ask God when I get home.
Was Jesus born the first night Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem? Luke 2:6 (ESV) states: “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.” It almost sounds like they were in Bethlehem for a few days before Jesus’ birth.
How did the shepherds know how to find Jesus? The angel only told them he was in Bethlehem wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manager. Did they knock on every door in Bethlehem until they found him?
The general consensus is that the wise men did not find Jesus until he was one to two years old. This is based upon the fact that Herod ordered the destruction of all male children two years and younger. Why did Joseph and Mary stay in Bethlehem for one to two years after Christ’s birth? If Joseph had a carpentry business in Nazareth, then why was he not anxious to return to his lively hood?
How did Joseph finance his family’s trip to Egypt? Was it from the gifts of the wise man—gold, frankincense and myrrh?
I’m sure there are additional questions about Jesus’ birth but all these questions are secondary to the fact that he was born to teach us about God and to save us from our sins.
