Christmas Series
05/28/2019, by John Kincaid
Lesson 2076: Where was Jesus born? - Luke 2:4-7
The site of the manger birthplace is marked by the Church of the Nativity.
It is the oldest church in continuous use since 327 AD, when it was built by Constantine, the 1st Christian Roman emperor.
Constantine built on the spot identified by Origen, and before him, by Justin Martyr.
Justin wrote in 150 AD that Jesus was born in a cave-stable, not a wooden barn.
Bethlehem means "House of Bread". Jesus called Himself the bread of life. John 6:32-35
Jesus chose bread to symbolize His body broken for the sake of humanity.
Jesus fed multitudes with His loaves, and nourishes us in worship, fellowship, Bible & prayer.
Jesus entered the world in a manger, which is a feeding trough, a place to take nourishment.
Bethlehem's history dates back to Jacob & Rachel. Gen. 35:17-19 The story of Ruth was here (1:22).
David was born here. He wrote about 80 of his shepherd songs in the Psalms. 1 Sam.16:1,17-19
The prophet Samuel son of Hannah anointed David king here. 1 Sam.16:11-13, 1:11,20,28
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