Meditation

Hi there,

It is striking just how simple and sparse Luke's description of the setting and birth of Jesus is in contrast to the greatness of the events.

This, the most amazing event in human history, is presented without hyperbole in matter-of-fact detail down to the cloths that Jesus was wrapped in.

Luke sets simple action against the most complex background, taking the trouble to provide rich, verifiable historical context, explaining the unlikely and extraordinary circumstances that led to Jesus's birth, fulfilling the prophecy in Micah 5:2:

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

None of this detail is superfluous.

God is in them all, and Luke packs them into seven short verses from the decree in the palace, causing the parents to travel for the baby born in the manger according to the prophecy.

Ceasar Augustus was the first Emperor of Rome. Originally named Octavian, the great-nephew of Julius Ceasar (the last ruler of the Roman Republic) and his appointed heir he none-the-less had to defeat Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the battle of Actium before bestowing the title which means "The Exalted Ceasar" upon himself.

He was the first Roman ruler to actually have the power to decree that the whole world be taxed...and it was this power that ensured Jesus's birth in Bethlehem and ushered in a period of peace, "Pax Romana," that enabled Christianity to flourish and spread.

Rendering Ceasar Augustus himself a footnote in the history he sought to command.

Today's passage is Luke 2:1-7

Luke 2

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 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:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 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.

Encouragement

Today's Carol is "Away in a Manger."

Be Encouraged. Join our 1000 strong Facebook Group

Post a picture of your completed page to our Facebook Group today.

Join over 1000 club members doing the same. Your pictures will be a great encouragement to everyone else in the club

...and don't worry about your handwriting.

It is as unique as you are, and God's word looks beautiful in it.

P.S. BCC is even better when shared

If you know someone who would also benefit from Bible Copy Club's daily prompts to copy out scripture by hand, please forward them this ​link​.​