And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into 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 wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" --Luke 2:1-14
To My Daughters:
The Dayspring from on high had arrived. The dawn was breaking!
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory the glory of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth.
First notice with me that God's Son was born exactly where the Scripture tells us He will be born.
Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting."
Caesar Augustus was a powerful man and yet was used as a tool in the hands of God. Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth which is about 80 miles from Bethlehem. When Caesar ordered a taxation it meant that everyone had to go to his hometown to register. Jesus' parents were both descendants of David and thus had to return to Bethlehem, the City of David to register. I read that Bethlehem means house of bread....so the Bread of Life was born in the city which means House of Bread. Truly, God controls the world and by the decree of Caesar Augustus, the Messiah was born exactly where God said He would be born...in the city of David.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL TOWARD MEN!
This was the praise of the angel and heavenly host at the birth of God's Son in a manger in Bethlehem to the shepherds...really the outcasts of Israel....who were tending the flocks. God's divine goodwill and favor toward men was first announced to the lowest in Israel...to the ones whose job made them unclean and unable to get to the temple for weeks at a time to receive cleansing. SO MUCH beauty in that!! Jesus was not only the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His flock, but He was also the perfect Lamb of God that would be sacrificed for the sins of humanity.
The redemption of mankind is God's greatest glory! The night was over...the Light had come into the world. His purpose was to bring glory to God, His Father, in both His life and His sacrificial death, through which we can now draw near to God. For as it says in Hebrews 7 the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. Jesus is that hope...the Anchor of our Soul....which makes us perfect!
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life--John 3:16
Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the LORD will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway.--Psalm 85:9-13
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!
Love
Mom
