24 DECEMBER

THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”
(Luke 2:1-5)

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
(Micah 5:2)

Over two thousand years ago, when the whole of Palestine and Israel were under the rule of the Roman Empire, Emperor Caesar Augustus, he made a decree for a census. Even though Mary was pregnant and almost full term, even though it was very inconvenient and risky, Joseph had to travel with her to their home town, Bethlehem, for this census.

All this served to fulfil a 700-year-old prophecy by Micah that our Saviour Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. The prophecy also shows that this Babe would be not just a ruler but a unique one with ancient origins. JESUS, born in Bethlehem, would be not just the King of the Jews but the King of kings and the Lord of lords!

God used what appear to be normal human events to bring about the fulfilment of His purpose for mankind.  For those who trust in Him, there is always a way.

ACTION:  In this season, allow God to make a way in your life through the inconveniences and risks you experience.

PRAYER: Dear Father, I pray today that, in all things, you will work to fulfil your purpose for me.