The Deeper Meaning of Jesus’ Birth Story

Did you know that every detail matters in the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth? Sometimes, we take this Biblical story for granted because we have heard it so many times. However, the details of this story have so much meaning. Dr. Edward Sri shares some of that deeper meaning so that each of us can grow closer to Christ this Christmas.

Snippet from the Show
Jesus was born into a suffering world. Even now, he desires to enter into our suffering with us.

Luke 2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Word “Enrolled”

In Luke’s account of Christ’s birth, there is a particular word that stands out. This word is “enrolled.” The purpose of enrollment at that time was to not only gather statistics, but to also make it possible for the Roman Empire to know where everyone was. This allowed the Roman Empire to exploit the people and gather taxes. Referencing the enrollment is how Luke is communicating the climate of that time. The Roman Empire was in control and they were oppressive. There was no true freedom under their rule.

Why Is Bethlehem Important?

It is very significant that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. This is because another famous leader of Israel also came from Bethlehem. This is David. David was the youngest of his family, a very unlikely choice for king. However, he became the great king of Israel who united the tribes and built the temple in Jerusalem. God promised David that his kingdom would last forever.

The parallels between David and Jesus are many. Both are from Bethlehem. Both are shepherds.

Micah 5:2

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.

Swaddling Clothes

Luke only refers to swaddling clothes twice in his Gospel account. The first time is at the birth of Jesus. In Luke 2:7 it is written, “She wrapped him in swaddling clothes.” The second time that Luke refers to swaddling clothes is at the death of Jesus. The reference of “swaddling clothes” at the birth of Jesus is a foreshadowing of the suffering he will endure. Jesus came into the world in a very humble way. Pray to follow Jesus’ example of humility.

Upcoming Events with Dr. Sri

• Jan 1-5: SEEK Conference, St. Louis MO
• Jan 12-13: Diocese of Evansville Eucharistic Congress – Evansville IN
• Jan 18-28: Holy Land Pilgrimage
• Jan 31: St. Thomas More Parish Marriage Talk – Centennial CO
• Feb 9-10: St. Vincent de Paul Parish Renewal Weekend – Austin TX
• Feb 15: St. Rita Parish Mission – Wellington FL
• Feb 16-17: Archdiocese of St. Louis Men’s Conference – St. Louis MO
• Feb 21: St. Anna’s Catholic Church – Parish Lenten Mission – Monroe GA
• Feb 22: Holy Trinity Catholic Church – Parish Lenten Mission – Peachtree City GA
• Mar 1-2: Annual Diocesan Conference – Laredo TX
• Mar 8-9: Catholic Men’s Conference of Maryland – Baltimore MD
• Mar 13-14: St. Michael Catholic Church Parish Mission – St. Michael MN
• Mar 15: Bishop Lucker Lecture for Diocese of New Ulm – Redwood Falls MN
• Mar 20-21: St. Louis Catholic Church Parish Mission – Miami FL
• Apr 5-6: Diocese of Charleston Eucharistic Congress – Columbia SC
• Apr 19-20: Diocesan Eucharistic Congress – Altoona-Johnstown PA
• June 20-23: St. Patrick Catholic Church – Summer Summit – London, England
• June 23-July 1: Rome Pilgrimage
• July 19-20: 2024 National Eucharistic Congress – Indianapolis IN
• Aug 10: Discipleship Conference – Oklahoma City OK
• Aug 23-24: Diocesan Faith Formation Conference – Tulsa OK
• Sept 21: 2024 Annual Meeting and Investiture of the Northern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – Denver CO
• Oct 3: Diocese of Harrisburg Annual Priest Workshop – Hunt Valley MD