So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
For the next few days, let's journey with Joseph and Mary as they experience the incredible grace of God in the miraculous birth of God's Son to their family. These verses give us the basics:
- They took a trip south from their home.
- The expectant couple went to Bethlehem, which was King David's home city as well as their own.
- The two were "betrothed" (legally pledged in marriage), but not yet married.
- The time for Jesus to be born was quickly approaching.
- Joseph and Mary were going there to register with the Roman government in Bethlehem as required by the census.
Intrigue about Jesus' biological father hinted at scandal associated with Mary's pregnancy. Themes of promise and fulfillment from the prophets frame the story, reminding us that this is God's story. Human faithfulness amid social, religious, and familial storms echoes throughout the story. The Roman census provides a real historical context for real everyday people who journeyed, risked, sacrificed, and welcomed the newborn Messiah. The
Lord enters our world very much in a place where we find ourselves. God has chosen to enter our world in Jesus, Immanuel, as one of us. The Messiah born into such a mess is certainly a Savior and
Lord we can reach, follow, and love. This Jesus is one of us.
Holy and loving God, thank you for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for entering our messy world with all its contradictions, ironies, and conflicts. Thank you for not being aloof or immune to our struggles, but for sharing in them with us as our Immanuel, "God with us"! Amen.
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