The Stage Got Moving

In the waning days of the BC era, a man and woman were engaged to be married. Not a big deal in those times as far as unusual news might go; certainly lots of people got engaged and married in their time much like we do now. However, the young lady was already pregnant before the marriage ceremony had taken place. News of a gossipy sort to be sure, but again probably not as uncommon as the leaders of the time might like us to believe. The young lady was still a virgin. Oh, that's different, but that's a story for another time. The problem we read today is that Joseph and Mary were in the wrong town. The Messiah was to come from Bethlehem and they were not there even as Mary was great with child. The Son of God was ready to arrive but His stage was stuck in Nazareth. Enter the far reaching hand of the emperor in Rome.

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. (Luke 2:1-3)

Of course the family and couple wanted to have the baby near home. We would too, no blame to them for that from us, but God's will has a way of working out. Most likely a date was set on the decree from Caesar and a punishment for not making it in time. Given that Judea was occupied territory, the punishment was probably harsh or even final for disobedience of the emperor's will. Joseph packed up the stage, or donkey, or his feet, or whatever, and off the young couple went on the 70-mile or so journey to Bethlehem. All because of a government census ...and a certain prophecy from God that needed fulfilling.

Many things are going on in the world today that may look like chaos and confusion (and they probably are), but God is not asleep at the switch or enjoying some alone time in a galaxy far, far away waiting on the next Star Wars movie. His will and His prophecies are coming due. We look around at the news in this world today and well we may wonder whether we will celebrate Christmas here or perhaps with the One who was born on that day in person.

Amen. Come Lord Jesus!
Bucky