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.

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19 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
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"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..."
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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 19 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.

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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.

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