“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:1-7).
The last article I wrote for the newspaper a month ago. Over the past month, we have gone through a national election cycle all the way to our community adopting a new trash service with new blue trash cans up and down our streets. If you are on social media, it certainly has not been boring. If there is one truth we struggle with, it is change. Even if change is for good, it can create chaos for those who dislike it. If there is one constant thing, change will always happen, and chaos often ensues.
Two thousand years ago, Luke recorded that chaos was everywhere during the time of Jesus’ birth. Caesar wanted more taxes, and he ordered a census to make sure he was getting every tax collected. Every citizen in Rome’s providences suddenly had to return to their hometown to register for more taxes. Could you imagine the general attitude and disposition of that day? The bickering and complaining. The hardships and expenses just to get counted to pay more taxes to a government that was oppressive and cruel.
It was no different for Joseph and Mary. They lived in Nazareth, and now, due to Ceasar’s decree, he had to pack up and head to Bethlehem. The chaos was that Mary was soon due to give birth, and they faced a 90-mile trip. This young couple took off for Bethlehem. The trip would not be easy, and it would be full of difficulties and threats.
About a week later, they arrived to a town in chaos. Bethehelm was bursting at the seams. Every room was taken. Even the streets were filled with travelers. Cranky, cold and generally disgusted with the thoughts of more taxes, Bethlehem would not be a welcoming haven for this chosen couple. Mary was going into labor, and the only shelter they could find was among animal stalls. Suddenly, Joseph was assisting Mary as our Lord arrived in human form.
All this young couple had was the promises from the Lord’s messengers. I wonder how often Joseph reminded himself that the child who would arrive would be named Emmanuel. How frequently did Joseph rehearse that angelic message during that trip and Mary’s delivery and remind himself that God is with him?
In change, in chaos, Jesus is here. Jesus is bigger than election outcomes and much bigger than blue trash cans. He is bigger than any pain or suffering you are encountering today. This is exactly the reason Jesus came to our chaotic world. To bring His peace. On the night of His birth, some shepherds heard the angelic message, “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, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13-14).
Jesus, our Prince of Peace, has come. He has come to bring peace to your life. The Bible declares, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:14-18).
May you discover His peace this year. Merry Christmas!
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