December 24th Advent Devotional

December 24

Luke 2:1-5

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.

-Luke 2:1-5

Ask any parent, grandparent, or soon to be grandparent about the birth of a new baby and they typically can tell you about that event in great detail. As for the birth of Jesus, God’s prophets described the details of this birth for hundreds of years before his arrival.  Just look at the events that had to fall into place for the birth of Jesus.  First, the decree had to come from Ceasar Augustus that all the world be registered. Second, Quirinius, the governor, had to oversee his first census.  Third, Joseph and Mary, being very obedient, had to travel to Bethlehem while Mary was due to give birth any day. 

Some people would call this “a God thing,” as if it were coincidental.  This was actually all a part of God’s plan.  In this plan, God was very active in the lives of all people involved in the upcoming birth of Jesus. God had Joesph, Mary, Caesar, Quirinius, and many others all play a part in what was about to be the greatest miracle on earth (so far).

God has a plan for each one of us too.  He wants to have the kind of relationship with us that, when asked, we will be willing to go to our Bethlehem for Him.

Brad Newberry