Countdown to Christmas – Day 15

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

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. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke 2:1-7

A decree was issued. Every man, woman, and child was to be accounted for in the land. Judea was declared a Roman province, and Quirinius was tasked to carry out a census of the new territory for tax purposes. Many biblical scholars have debated the timeline of this census and king Herod’s rule stating that many census were conducted during this time of reign. But whatever revolt masterminds were plotting, or scheme for more money the government was planning, Christ’s entrance into this world was coming during a time of change.

And Christ’s entrance into this world was a quiet one. Under the light of the moon and stars his first breath was one filled with the musty scent of straw. Simple scratchy cloth wrapped his pink skin. It will be upon His return that His grand entrance will be made. The scriptures tell us He will ride in on a white horse, His first breath a cry of command. Gone will be the simple scratchy cloth for He will adorn a robe dipped in blood.

And a census will be taken. Those who are filled with faith- those who have awaited His return obedient to His Word- will rise to meet Him. When the census is taken and every soul accounted for, where will we stand? Will we rise to the come Messiah or shiver at His command?

It is through our process of sanctification and transformation that we are called to await His return. It is what we do while we are waiting that will make all the difference when He comes.

Father, we await the return of your Son and our Saviour. May the good works of my hands and posture of my heart while I wait for your perfect will be pleasing to you… and you alone. In Jesus name, amen.