Key Bible Passage:
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7)
Military women recall major life events, like the birth of a baby, by where we were stationed at the time. Jesus’s birth is similar. He was born at a distinct time and place in history–in Bethlehem, though the family was from Nazareth, during the reign of Caesar Augustus.
Besides showing he was a real person, do the details of which little town Jesus was from versus which town he was actually born in really matter? Yes, because God is giving us a glimpse of his character as a promise keeper. The Jews were waiting for a Savior and they knew God promised that he would be born in Bethlehem.
God has been proving himself slowly, since the beginning of time, as someone we can trust.
If you ever feel doubtful about your faith, you can be confident in the fact of fulfilled promises. These proofs are tangible, self-authenticating evidence of God’s trust-worthy-ness. Remember, Luke writes to give us certainty. Even if your life has been uncertain, God’s promises are not. He promises to redeem all things (Romans 8:28) and help us overcome (John 16:33; 1 John 4:4 and 5:4). Every single little detail of the Christmas story can strengthen our faith, trust, and hope.
- Craft Alert: Using a piece of paper, retell today’s narrative in storyboard form.
- Listen to a rendition of the song, “Mary Did You Know,” such as an acapella version.