WORLD PEACE
Opening Prayer
Lay down your lists, plans, and concerns, and give Jesus your full attention.
Read Luke 2:1–14
The Birth of Jesus
2 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[a] 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. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 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.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Footnotes:
a Luke 2:2 Or This census took place before
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What would have crossed your mind if you had been present at Jesus’ humble beginnings?Caesar Augustus is considered to be the first Roman Emperor. He was the sole ruler of a vast and expanding empire and had almost unimaginable power. Under his leadership, the Roman Empire attained an unprecedented stability, known as the Pax Romana. Augustus was given credit for bringing worldwide peace and was worshipped as “savior” and “lord.” In a scruffy corner of Palestine, an unmarried mother-to-be and her fiancé made a journey from home at Caesar’s bidding. He wanted to know whom he had living under his control and so they went to be counted at the mandated location (1–3).
And there Caesar fades from the story and Jesus takes center stage. Born in obscurity and laid in an animal feeding trough for want of anywhere better (7), this baby has had more influence over world events than Caesar Augustus could ever have dreamed of. As the angels told the shepherds, Jesus was—and is—the true Savior (11). And Jesus would bring a peace far more profound than the absence of war. He would reconcile the whole of creation with its maker (Rom. 8:20–25) and for humankind: the offer of salvation (14).
Apply
This can be a busy season; if we are not careful we can miss the opportunity to contemplate the wonderful birth Christmas is all about. Make an effort through your day to stop and remember Christ.
Closing prayer
Thank You, God, for the peace Your favor brings.
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