Christmas Day 2 of 24

 Today's Reading: Luke 2

Today's Focus: Vs. 1-7

The Roman Empire was expanding. Population was rising. It was the "New York City"  of the time. You want diverse culture? Rome. Good food? Rome. Military power? Rome. Starting a business? Rome. International business to sell across borders? Rome. Beautiful women? Rome. 

With that expansion, came the fear that there may not be food to go around. A census would provide that population statistic, but also a way to tax. It was an obvious political move. 

They did not expect to be used by God to bring Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, the city of David. Had Caesar Augustus not decree for the registration, Jesus would have been born in Nazareth. God's timing brought them to Bethlehem, where Jesus would be born. What's the significance and importance? 

1. Fulfilment of Prophecy. 
   

   But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

       who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

   from you shall come forth for me

       one who is to be ruler in Israel,

   whose coming forth is from of old,

       from ancient days. (Micah 5:2)

   
   
2. Provision of God
   Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)
   
1. "Bethlehem" means "House of Bread." That's right-- the Bread of Life came from the House of Bread. 
2. Ruth is not famous, but her great, great grandson is well known: King David. The prophecy says that Jesus will be from the line of David (Jeremiah 23:5). It's why Bethlehem was called the "City of David." 

This is an understanding we often miss. There is great importance of Jesus being born in Bethlehem because that's where the Messiah will be born. This connection between Messiah and Bethlehem is so deep and strong, that when Jesus' opponents spoke against Him, they quote that prophecy:

Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” So there was a division among the people over him. (John 7:41-42)

Based on His birthplace alone, they disqualified Him as the Christ. It mattered. Do you remember when President Obama's birthplace was the talk of conspiracy? If they could prove he wasn't born in the United States, that would disqualify him for the office of Presidency. If the Christ was not born of Bethlehem, He is not the Christ. God moved the most powerful empire at the most precise time so that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. It is a display of supreme power and sovereignty over the nations. It is a clear message to the world: the long awaited Messiah is here! If Jesus' second coming is anything like His first, then it will be precise and no government or circumstance can change it. Not a second too soon, not a second too late. 

"O come to us, abide with us

Our Lord Emmanuel"
(From: O Little Town of Bethlehem)