In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Luke 2:1 NIV

The second chapter of Luke’s gospel gives an orderly account of the unusual circumstances surrounding the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A taxed census ordered by the Roman Emperor compelled Mary, pregnant with Jesus, and Joseph to leave Galilee. They traveled to Bethlehem in Judea for the census because Joseph was from the house or line of David. As a descendant of King David, the census required that Joseph and his family register in Bethlehem, the town of David.   

The purpose for the census was similar to what we are accustomed to in modern times. The roles created to account for each member of the population were used for taxes, military conscription, and other government planning. In the secular world, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were subject to the rule of the vast Roman Empire. We may remember this when inconvenienced or troubled by our own government. Our Savior’s family and our Savior himself willingly submitted to worldly authority.

Submission to Authority

Due to the nature of the decree issued by Caesar Augustus, a great number of people traveled to Judea for the Roman census. As these travelers crowded the city of Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary arrived but found no room available for their lodging. For this reason, the Savior of mankind was born in a barn. 

Scripture does not indicate the time or year of this event. However, Mary, at the full term of her pregnancy, gives birth to Jesus while there in Bethlehem. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and placed the baby in a manger, an open box for feeding livestock. As it relates the story of Jesus’ birth, the second chapter of Luke is often read around the time of our modern Christmas celebration.

Yesterday’s Devotional: Pure Joy