In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world … And everyone went to their own town to register.

Luke 2:1-3

For Meditation

It is interesting to stand back and observe the workings of God in human history. Sometimes, we pound our chest and kick dust to display our position and authority, oblivious of the providential workings of God in every situation that makes all of us, consequences of His divine plan and rule.

Samson is perhaps, the strongest man that ever lived until his head swelled with pride. He thought he could turn on and off his power at whim. However, God rudely surprised him at the knees of Delilah (Judges 16: 20-21). In King David’s peaceful position in his kingdom, he counted his army to boast in its strength and caused his nation to suffer under God’s judgment (2 Sam. 24:1-25). Nebuchadnezzar can fill the third witness stand with his infamous declaration from the roof of his palace: “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty” (Dan. 4:29-30). He had to live like an animal in the bush before he recognized the source of his power and the prosperity of Babylon (33-37). Each of these leaders thought they were fully in control of their decisions and actions until God showed them otherwise. God has planned everything and orchestrates events to culminate in His goal – what ignorant humans glory in.

Caesar Augustus may have felt that way when he issued the census decree that sent everybody in the Roman world to their hometowns to be counted (Luke 2:1-3). Whatever precipitated his decision is inconsequential when we consider the higher order, the divine mandate that God had issued before the beginning of time. Caesar’s decree that sent Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem to be counted was God’s mandate (4-5). The child Mary carried was decreed to be born in David’s town, but Mary was in Nazareth (Micah 5:2). What else could have moved Joseph to send Mary to Bethlehem apart from a decree from the Roman Governor? Providence! A human decree triggered by divine mandate. That’s the order of our lives.

This is one of the sobering lessons of the Christmas story. We don’t make things happen. God moves and shakes His world to accomplish His purpose and fulfill His ultimate plan for eternity. We are instruments in this high and glorious project. We are wiser to remember our subservient position and thank God for the privilege He accords us to partner with Him in His work.

So, this Christmas season, recognize God’s hand at work around you and His dealings in all the chaos in this world. Don’t be haughty but be humbled by the miracle of Christ’s birth. “Be wise … serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling … Kiss the Son,” (Ps. 2:1-12) who comes to you as Immanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23).  

Shalom