Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem follows the promises made through the Prophets. In Micah 5:2 the Lord promised, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” That promised ruler, a baby with ancient origins, is Jesus.
Another important aspect of Bethlehem is Jesus’ lineage. According to Matthew, Jesus’ earthly father is a descendant of King David. The Lord promised David, “your house and your kingdom shall endure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.” Because Bethlehem is David’s home, and because Christ is the promised King, who will rule forever, it is fitting He should be born in Bethlehem, the city of David.
In order for this prophecy to be fulfilled, Joseph and Mary needed to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The census ordered by Caesar required Joseph to travel to his ancestral home of Bethlehem. Through this census, the prophecy of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem was fulfilled.
Jesus’ birthplace connects Him with David, the greatest of Israel’s kings and fulfills the promise that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem. Far from an accident or coincidence, God shows His hand in the birthplace of the Christ.