Birthplace of Jesus
Opening Prayer
As I wait, as I prepare for Christmas this year, thank you, Father, that I wait and prepare to celebrate the birth of your Son, my redeemer and my King,
Read Luke 2:1-5
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
Meditation
It was a historical event—the Roman world was in chaos, and Caesar Augustus was determined to put it in order; he issued a decree for a census so that people could be taxed, raising money to restore wealth to the empire. Joseph went with Mary to register in Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David. God used the events of history to fulfill his promise for the birthplace of his son.