Perfect timing…
And it came to pass in those days [that] a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:1-7 NKJV
Jesus was supposed to be born in Bethlehem, but Joseph and Mary were from Nazareth. As often happens as prophecy unfolds, the most unlikely people become involved in God’s story.
Caesar Augustus, Israel’s foreign ruler, ordered everyone in all of his dominion to be counted, probably for tax purposes. No matter where people lived, they had to return to their place of birth to be registered.
So Joseph, who was born in Bethlehem, brought Mary back to the little town. God’s timing is perfect and Mary went into labor and gave birth.
But isn’t a king supposed to be born in a palace? Or at least a house? If not there, then under the meager protection of a rented room? Jesus, King of kings, was born one step up from the street. A shelter for animals covered the Lord of all the earth.
Jesus was born in a low place so that the lowest of humanity would know they could take refuge in Him.
Here was a king for all people.