Today's Verse: Luke 2:1, 4-5

Sunday, December 20, 2026

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph 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.
— Luke 2:1, 4-5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Isn't it amazing at how many inconveniences in our lives the Lord uses to accomplish his will in us? Can you think of a worse time to go on a cross-country trip considering their modes of travel? Yet God turned it into the moment in which the angels found their tune and Satan met his match.

My Prayer...

Father, I thank you that behind history, and especially behind the part of history where I live, your hand is always working for my redemption and your glory. Give me faith to ride out the difficult times, knowing that you will use those difficulties to be the incubator of your next great work in me. In the name of Jesus, the Joy of angels, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

15 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Census
Illustration of Luke 2:1 and 4-5
Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:1 and 4-5 -- In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, becau
David's Village
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home [for the census]. He traveled there from....."
Luke 2:4-5
Devo: Today's Verse
"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..."
The Story Begins
Illustration of Luke 2:4-5
Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:4-5 -- So Joseph 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 mar
See All 15 Related Resources about Luke 2:1,4-5

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:1, 4-5 — In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph 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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, December 20, 2026

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Luke 6:12
"If ever one of woman born might have lived without prayer, it was our spotless, perfect a Lord, and yet none was ever so much in supplication as he!....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'My Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth' (Ac. 1:8)
"[Jesus said,] "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Revelation 16:15
"Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'A Slap in the Face of God' (Jn. 18:22-23)
"[After Jesus confronted the high priest who was questioning him,] one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. "Is that the..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse