(a) Outline the Lukan account of the birth of Jesus. (b) What two lessons can be learnt from the circumstances of Jesus' birth?

(a) The Lukan account of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20).

1. In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled (registered). This was the first enrolment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
2. All went to be enrolled, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David.
3. He went to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
4. While they were there, the time came for her to be delivered, and she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
5. In the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
6. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.
7. The angel said, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord."
8. The angel gave them a sign: they would find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
9. Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased."
10. When the angels went away, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened." They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the manger.
11. When they had seen it, they made known the saying concerning the child, and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.
12. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

(b) Two lessons that can be learnt from the circumstances of Jesus' birth.

1. God exalts the humble: the Saviour was born in a lowly manger and revealed first to poor shepherds, showing that God does not despise the lowly.
2. Jesus is the Saviour of all people: the good news of great joy was for all people, not for one class or nation.
3. Obedience and faith bring blessing: Joseph and Mary obeyed the decree and God's will, and the shepherds responded promptly to the message.