According to Luke, Jesus' birth in a manger was due to

According to Luke's gospel, Jesus' birth in a manger was due to lack of place for Joseph and Mary in the inn. When Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem, the town was crowded due to the census and there was no room for them to stay at the inn. As a result, they had to find shelter in a stable where Jesus was born and placed in a manger. This humble and unexpected setting of Jesus' birth emphasizes his identification with the poor and marginalized, and serves as a powerful symbol of God's love for all people, regardless of their social status.