12/9- Augustus at Christmas

12/9- Luke 2:1-4 Caesar Augustus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while^a Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to their own town to register.
      4So 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.

Thoughts: Caesar Augustus perhaps was one of the most powerful and wealthy men in the history of the world.  He instigated the Pax Romana- a time of relative peace for most of the Mediterranean world. He made a decree that everyone should be counted in order to procure his taxes.  Such a census also showed the world that the government was in control.  Yet such control was an illusion.  God used Caesar’s desire to control the world to control where His Son would be born- not in Nazareth but in the prophesied Bethlehem (Micah 5:2- prophesied 300 years before).  The mightiest king of history played a role in the birthplace of the King of kings. Terrorism interrupts the illusion of our peace, distraction, and control.  Yet, God is in control despite the illusion of the terrorist’s chaos.  His purposes and plans will be achieved. 

Prayer: Sovereign God, King of kings.  May my heart be yours.  I trust in you and your plan for life.  

Activity: It is important to teach our children and ourselves to pray for those in authority over us.  Take time to send a Christmas card to a politician, thanking them for their public service and telling them you have prayed for them.

Song: (to tune of “I Love to Tell the Story”)
All hail to God’s anointed, great David’s greater Son! All hail, in time appointed your reign on earth begun! You come to break oppression, to set the captive free, to take away transgression and rule in equity.

All rulers bow before you, and gold and incense bring.  All nations shall adore you, your praise all people sing. To you shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend. Your rule is still increasing; your rule is without end.