Like 2:1-7
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.
2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city.
4 Now Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5 in order to register along with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was pregnant.
6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Birth of Jesus
God who moved the Roman Empire
Luke provides a detailed historical background to show that the birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Micah 5:2. “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.” (v 1). Far away from Judea, in Rome, Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census for the purpose of taxation. He was completely unaware of the prophecy in Micah or of the outcome that his decree would bring about. Yet God, who rules over history, used the Roman emperor to fulfill His own plan. The God who once moved the Roman Empire still rules over the political affairs of the world today. In the series of events such as the collapse of communism, the end of the Cold War structure, and ethnic conflicts, we can see glimpses of God’s guiding hand. Let us offer intercessory prayers so that political leaders around the world may govern with justice, in the fear of God. And let us also pray for God’s direct intervention amid the complex and tragic international conflicts.
The Son of God who became poor
For the census, it would have been sufficient for Joseph alone to go to Bethlehem. Why, then, was it necessary for him to take pregnant Mary with him? Leaving Mary alone in Nazareth would have exposed her to slander. That was something Joseph could not bear. It could be said that the decree of the Roman emperor and the slander of the people in Nazareth together sent Mary to Bethlehem. She gave birth to Jesus in a place like a cave used for sheltering sheep, wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger. Luke writes, “because there was no room for them in the inn.” That the Son of God, Jesus, was born in a stable is the greatest paradox in history. A sense of loneliness pervades the story of His birth. There are moments in our lives when we feel loneliness. Do you feel as though all possibilities have abandoned you right now? Even so, there is no need to despair. Even if people do not understand, there is One who understands your suffering. That is the Savior, Jesus. Draw near to Him now and confess your heartfelt trust in Him.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, I thank You that Your Son Jesus became poor to forgive our sins. I kneel before the child born in Bethlehem and offer my worship. Please fill my heart with love for Jesus. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.