In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world…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 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 room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:1-7
Meditation:
At first glance, these verses may seem a bit confusing and lead to some questions: Why did Caesar suddenly decide to change the Roman tax laws at this particular time? Why didn’t Joseph and Mary register in Nazareth instead of going to Bethlehem?
Prophets had stated for centuries that a virgin would give birth to the Messiah in Bethlehem. Through divine intervention, God asserts his power showing that he has dominion over non-believers, even over the most powerful man on Earth, who was the head of the most powerful nation on Earth, Caesar Augustus, who orders a royal decree changing the tax situation forcing people to return to their homelands to pay taxes.
As a result of this sudden decree, you can probably figure out where Joseph and Mary are forced to return: Bethlehem. What may seem out of place becomes a clear message: God rules the entire world and everyone in it. The final verses we have heard at some point. Jesus is born, to a virgin mother, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. The Son of God is born in the most humble of circumstances, teaching us a valuable lesson: blessed are the meek. He made Himself poor to give us eternal life. He suffered rejection so we could be accepted.
Looks can be deceiving, and as James describes, "has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?" (James 2:5)
It doesn’t matter who you are: the ruler of the Roman Empire, or a poor, married couple giving birth in a manger, God rules over you. We must remember our place: humble servants of the Lord. Prayer: Divine and glorious God, you truly rule over all. Our eyes, ears, and heart are open to you, and we pray that you open them more each day. Humble us in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer. As you have shown through Caesar and your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, all of creation obeys your every command. Use us as a vessel, Lord, so that we too, can be used for your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!
Author: Jose Reyes
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