And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world would be taxed. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ~ Luke 2:1,3-7 KJV
The Journey:
In those days, Rome was pretty much the known world; and Caesar Augustus was the ruler. He was considered as god to the Romans; their "prince of peace". It was the time of year when a census tax was collected from the populace by Rome. Every person had to show up at the town of his or her birth and be counted for the tax. In the case of this little family residing in Nazareth, it was probably a week's journey on a donkey or mule to Bethlehem, which was about 80 miles away. It must have been an arduous journey for Mary, who was due to deliver her baby. Then upon arrival, there was no place to stay overnight. But God! Joseph was offered an animal enclosure for the night, and soon Mary went into labor.
The Christmas Arrival!
The real Jehovah God scheduled the miraculous birth of His legitimate Son, Jesus, against the backdrop of the mighty empire of Rome. Jesus will be the future ruler of Israel (and indeed, the whole world). Baby Jesus arrived at tax time; born to poor weary parents, on a starry cold Bethlehem night, without fanfare, as foretold in the book of Micah 2:5:
But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
However, our Christmas story continues because God was not done yet announcing the birth of His only begotten Son. In those days:
... there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, an on earth peace, good will to men. ~ Luke 2:8-14 KJV
No angels flying over Caesar's palace, blaring trumpets announcing that there is a new sheriff in town; or an earthquake or volcano eruption to get the attention of humans all over the Mediterranean. No, just tell the local shepherds that Jesus, their Messiah has come. They will know what to do. And they did!
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. ~ Luke 2:15-19 KJV
See, God used the lowly shepherds as His mouthpiece to spread the word of the Messiah's birth to all the people who were in the town of Bethlehem because of Caesar's tax mandate. Then, the same people spread the news of Baby Jesus to everyone back home after the census. This method was so effective that before long, even Herod, king of Israel, heard about the birth of Christ. He feared this news, as he was well aware of the prophecies that a Messiah from the lineage of King David would appear to rule over the kingdom of Israel. He began to plot the death of the child, which is another story about the challenging life of Jesus on earth in those days ...
Thank you for reading to the end of the story of Jesus this Christmas. God's blessings to you and yours this Christmas season. May the love of Christ bring you peace and abiding joy this season. He is the Horn of our Salvation and our Bright and Morning Star; our Mighty Counsellor and Prince of Everlasting Peace. Believe in Jesus, for He is the only way to eternal life with God in Heaven.
And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. ~ Ephesians 4:32,5:1-2 KJV
Glory to God this Christmas!
Love,
Sherron
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