| In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world … And everyone went to their own town to register. |
| —Luke 2:1-7 |
As it has for centuries, the miracle of the Incarnation continues to fascinate Christian scholars. Dr. Luke tells the story with straight forward elegance, as found in Luke 2:1 and 3:
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.
God used His power to motivate the Roman government to move Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. God did this so that the long ago prophecy, in His very own words, could be fulfilled—as found in Micah 5:2:
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
As we begin another day, let’s remember that God rules over all the governments of the world, including our own government here in the United States of America. Nothing happens apart from His divine permission. We can rest in confidence, knowing that His protection will guard us and keep us safe. We belong to an eternal Kingdom that surpasses all earthly rulers and all earthly kingdoms.
