Thoughts for the Day

In those days a decree went out from Emperor 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. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The story of the birth of Jesus is so well known that most of us can probably quote the account almost word for word. Our first contact with the story probably came when we were a shepherd or angel in the school or nursery nativity play. But let's look at the passage in a little more detail. The Emperor sends out a decree to "all the world". At its height the Roman Empire ruled over about 5 million square kilometers of land and about 20% of the world's population, so yes they might have thought they ruled "the world". Historians have wondered about the actual physical possibility of all heads of households returning to their 'homes', but in Israel the twelve tribes were still in existence, so Joseph goes from Nazareth to Bethlehem, near Jerusalem, which is where the tribe of David is based.

We learn that Mary and Joseph are betrothed, so they have completed the formal contract of marriage, and she is heavily pregnant. The distance from Nazareth is about 80 miles, which in the hilly, hot, and often barren area of Palestine would have been difficult for her, even sitting on a donkey. They would have had to take their own food with them and manage without proper accommodation en route, only to end up in a stable at their journey's end.

Notice how often in Jesus' life this was to set a pattern - he was to be rejected by rulers, authorities, and religious leaders, but was given shelter and food among the outcast and the lowliest of society. This Christmas, Christ still asks for accommodation - in our heart - and we still have the opportunity to invite Him into our lives, if we will.

Heavenly Father,
we pray for all parents
and their newborn children,
for the potential for love and goodness
that they bring into the world.
May we celebrate this day
with deep joy and thankfulness,
as we remember that Christ was born.
May we also invite Him again into our life this day.
Amen.