Come Let us Worship, Day 7, December 7

In the Christmas story we read these familiar words: “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to 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, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:4–7, ESV).

We might fail to see the global significance to these words.  We might miss the fact that there were multitudes upon multitudes of minuscule particulars that enabled this birth to take place, when and where it did.  Hundreds of years prior, the Bible prophesied that the Christ-child be born in Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth.  That’s about 120 kilometers. That’s two days walking.  It was critical that they get to the place where the Messiah was to be born. Consider the military and political decisions that brought about a national ruler who decided to tax his world, at this time.  Think of the geopolitical maneuverings that put Caesar Augustus in power, just so this young couple would be motivated to go to Bethlehem, on time! “The time came for her to give birth.”

Rome occupied Israel. The reason for the census was for accurate taxation. The Jews hated taxes and hated giving taxes to the Romans. The Jews hated the Romans.  Rome was the enemy.  Rome had violated their freedom.

Solomon, that honored and wise King of Israel wrote, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1, ESV).  The Biblical record is clear: God is sovereign.  He rules over all.  Even kings and kingdoms are in the hand of Almighty God. Yes, a nation was occupied by a foreign army.  Its rulers demanded heavy burdens of taxation.  But within that context, God brought salvation. To echo the ancient words of Joseph, the prince of Egypt, he said, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20, ESV).

Someone has rightly affirmed that “all the mammoth political forces and all the giant industrial complexes, without their even knowing it, are being guided by God, not for their own sake but for the sake of God’s people.”   

Father it is an understatement to say that you are in control. The birth of our Lord is only one wonderful example of your providence and care over your people.  We bow before your sovereignty and exclaim with Thomas, "My Lord and my God."  We worship you.