Today is Thursday, December 18th, 2014; Karen's Korner #2969

"About this time Caesar Augustus, the Roman Emperor, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the nation. This census was taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

"Everyone was required to return to his ancestral home for this registration. And because Joseph was a member of the royal line, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, King David's ancient home---journeying there from the Galilean village of Nazareth. He took with him Mary, who was obviously pregnant by this time.

"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born, and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn."

~ Luke 2:1 - 7 LAB

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Commentary:  "A Roman census was taken to aid military conscription or tax collection. The Jews didn't have to serve in the Roman army, but they could not avoid paying taxes. Augustus' decree went out in God's perfect timing and according to his perfect plan to bring his Son into the world.

"God controls all history. By the decree of Caesar Augustus, Jesus was born in the very town prophesied for his birth, even though his parents did not live there. Joseph and Mary were both descendants of King David. The Old Testament is filled with prophecies that the Messiah would be born in David's royal line.

"The government forced Joseph to make a 70-mile trip just to pay his taxes. His fiancée, who had to go with him, was going to have their baby any moment. But when they arrived in Bethlehem, they couldn't even find a place to stay. When we do God's will, we are not guaranteed a comfortable life; we are promised only that even our discomfort has meaning in God's plan."

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