Luke 2:1-7
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 his 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 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 places him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Augustus’s census went out in God’s timing and His plan to bring His son into the world. The people had to pay their taxes and what better way to get Joseph back to Bethlehem. Prophesy was fulfilled (Micah 5:2).
Can you imagine traveling by foot or donkey when the baby could be born anytime? Then not having a place to sleep once you have arrived. A
Here our savior came humbly in a stable and a manger for a bed. Can you imagine putting your child in a manger that animals ate out of? Jesus came to earth and didn’t have the comforts of the rich or the comforts of heaven. He was born to a lowly family. We all like to think about Jesus being the sweet, cute baby. Oh so precious, but when we think of him as a baby, do we think of him as our savior who was raised in a lowly family and as our savior dying on one the cross, beaten so badly you wouldn’t know that he was a human?
God kept his promise and sent the Messiah to his people. He sent the savior that will take away our sins. Our ransom paid in full by Jesus. Jesus had to deal with life’s hardships and joys. He dealt with toddler phases to adolescence. Jesus knows and understands what we go through and he was without sin.
This Christmas as we celebrate Christ’s birth. Lets’ remember really the purpose of God’s plan. Let’s remember that Jesus was not only our savior but also our example how to live a righteous life.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your plan. For your control of all events. Father God, help us this christmas season as we celebrate Jesus birth, to really remember the purpose behind his birth.
In Jesus name,
Amen
