Christmas Travels

Today we take a look at the first part of Luke 2. I think you’ll find it quite familiar, as it is usually the account read on Christmas Eve. Let’s see if we can find some wonder.

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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 room available for them.

Luke 2: 1- 7

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When I read those verses I am instantly taken back to Sunday School Christmas programs, anyone else? I can so clearly picture my friends dressed as Mary and Joseph, holding a babydoll (who was a questionable standin for Jesus), and that innkeeper who wouldn’t give them a room. I can remember what felt like hours practicing our lines to get it just right and performing for our parents. Oh, the memories.

When I look at those verse now, two things stand out. The first being how everything in the first five verse had to happen at exactly the right time for Jesus to born in Betlehem like the old testament said would happen. A certain emperor, the need for a census, the right earthy father to require a trip to Bethlehem, a too crowded little town, and a spare manger. All the little and big details happening at exactly the right moment is clearly only something God could orchestrate.

Second, being Mary and Joseph. Once again scripture doesn’t tell us how Mary or Joseph reacted to having to have a baby where the animals were kept, especially knowing that baby was the Son of God. I’m tempted to think they might not have been thrilled with the arrangements, but based on what we learned about them earlier in scripture I have a feeling they trusted that God knew exactly what he was doing.

“She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger…” What must have they felt in that moment? What must it have been like to be the first to lay eyes on the Savior of the world?

What will it be like when we lay eyes on Jesus?

To Everything There Is A Season…

Kiley Ann