Monday, December 16, 2013

12-17-13 Caesar and the First Christmas

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.  (Luke 2:1-7)

Thoughts: Caesar Augustus was arguably the greatest ruler ever.  He united Rome with Egypt and conquered his rivals.  He instituted the Pax Romana- years of peace in which trade prospered and roads were built.  
     He issued a decree for a census for taxation.  No doubt he had no or little thought of Judea when he issued his decree for the whole of the Roman world. He had no idea that his decree a thousand miles from Bethlehem would mean the King of kings would be born in that little town.  Even the mightiest king is used for God's purposes.  

Prayer: Lord, let my trust in you and your plan be unswerving and faithful.  


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