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 guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is the Mesiah, the Lord.   This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

https://youtu.be/spXZ4TmgQgI?si=Tm3GQLGxj3YH9Lin

There are several interesting events in this scripture:  Caesar demanding a census, Joseph and Mary traveling, and angels talking to shepherds. None of these things was by accident. They all were a part of God’s plan.

In the past, God gave very detailed instructions for the tabernacle that traveled with Moses through the desert. The Ark of the Covenant was very ornate with gold inlay. God also gave David detailed plans for the temple in Jerusalem that Solomon built. It would follow that when God’s son was to be born, great planning and care would go into every detail. When God chose Joseph, a carpenter, one would expect elaborate plans for his cradle–maybe the finest wood and wonderful carvings. Maybe the wise men could come early and bring gold to embellish the carvings?

But no, the God of our universe made deliberate plans to come simply and humbly. And to have shepherds instead of the religious leaders rejoice in the angels’ message. When we stop long enough to let the message of this event sink in and ponder the unexpected way God became one of us, it is hard to comprehend. But it reveals God’s heart and demonstrates His message to us. It was the perfect plan. From beginning to the end, Christ’s life showed us real love and what is truly important. His words in Matthew still call to us today. 

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

May we come…and learn…and find rest for our souls.   Amen

Contributed by Jo Rothrock