It’s Christmas Day!
Luke 2:1-5 describes how Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census to be taken. Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, the town of David. While in Bethlehem, the Savior of the world was born! As you open your Christmas gifts, I hope you realize why we celebrate on this Christmas Day. Jesus was born and placed in a manger. The shepherds followed the star and came to see the newborn baby. We have so much going on that we often forget why we celebrate Christmas.
We need to learn that we can’t see the end from the beginning, but God can. Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem, but he didn’t have to. Only the man was required to appear before the census taker. Why in the world would Joseph take pregnant Mary on a 70-mile journey when it was not required by Roman law? The answer is because 750 years before this journey, the prophet Micah foretold the future birth of the future king. Micah 5:2 says, “You are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come one who will be ruler over Israel.” God knew what needed to happen for Micah’s prophecy to be fulfilled.
We need to be reminded on this Christmas Day that we follow a God who can be trusted. It wasn’t an accident or a stroke of luck that caused Caesar Augustus to issue a census and make sure everyone went to his hometown. The Christmas Story reminds us that a sovereign God is in control of our lives, and we can trust Him.
We don’t have to worry about what will happen in the future. Everything will end exactly the way God wants it to end. We can listen to the news and worry about the future, but we don’t have to. God has that under control! We don’t have to worry about the plan that is in place because God’s plan is in place, and His plan will be accomplished. It’s Christmas Day, and God’s plan is in place. Let’s celebrate and give praise to God’s only Son who has come to save us.
Prayer – God, on this Christmas Day may we learn to trust You and know that Your plan is in place and working. When life doesn’t make sense, teach us to know that the future is secure because Jesus came to save us. Amen.
Luke 2:1-5 – “Joseph went 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.”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Images: David Trinks, Aaron Burde & Kurt Weigel, courtesy of Unsplash
