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“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree…”

I would guess at some point we have heard the opening line to Luke’s Christmas account in Luke 2.

But before we get to the details of Luke 2, consider the opening words of Luke’s Gospel:

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4)

I love these opening words of Luke because it seems like Luke was a bit of skeptic.  He was a missionary who traveled with the Apostle Paul and no doubt an avid follower of Jesus.  Here’s the interesting thing about the opening line.  There were MANY who tried or did write an account of Jesus’ life based on the information that was handed down from the Apostles.  But Luke did his own investigation.  Perhaps his background in detail as a doctor is why God chose him to take previous accounts, investigate their authenticity, and then write an orderly account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Why?

“So that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

Luke wants to affirm and reaffirm the truth of Jesus, the events of his life, the content of his teaching, and the saving mission he was on.

Luke is written to all the skeptics who wish they could investigate everything for themselves.  Luke does and God’s Spirit provides it to us for our certainty as well.

So what does that say of Luke’s record of the birth of Jesus? Accurate, detailed, and written so we may have certainty in our faith as well.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

Luke sets the birth of Jesus in the context of the Roman empire.  Perhaps we wish there was a little more detail like “Jesus was born on December 25” (Which he most likely wasn’t.) But the names Luke mentioned are verifiable people of history.  Their mention sets the birth of Jesus in a historical context.  It is real.  It happened.  It is not a fantasy story fabricated by Luke.

4 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  (Luke 2:1-5)

Joseph was a faithful follower of the Lord.  Certainly the dream which clarified who the child was Mary would be giving birth to helped.  However, to take your pregnant fiancée on a 90 mile journey over rugged terrain to some might seem like an act of craziness, but to us we see a heart of faith that God was working…even through a government mandate which made them leave Nazareth for Bethlehem…and maybe not return for more than a year.  Remember they had to flee to Egypt after his birth due to the evil heart of King Herod.

Luke’s detail give certainty that this baby born in Bethlehem was the one God spoke of.  He was to be a descendent of David…just like Mary and Joseph were.

Details are important.  Imagine if all we had was, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John’s Gospel…for Friday!)  While we trust this is the Word of God, it is a bit vague and a lacks concreteness.  In all his detail, Luke gives the historical setting, the specific actions and the reasons why Joseph and Mary did what they did.

Everything a curious mind would want to know…God provides through the inspired pen of Luke!

Apply: What details stand out to you about Luke’s account? (Read Luke 2:1-20 for tomorrow’s devotion.)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for using Luke’s inquiring and detailed mind to record accurately the birth of your Son.  Through his detail we too can have certainty that Jesus was born to be OUR Savior too! AMEN.

If you missed part 4 of “Believe Christmas” CLICK HERE to listen to Sunday’s Message, “Believe the HOPE of Christmas”

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The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1)

You would expect Mark to go on with some account of the birth of Jesus…but he doesn’t.  There are no details of the census.  No insight to the “Word becoming flesh.”  No relating of the dreams that calmed Joseph’s fears or any mention of shepherds.

The next verse gets into the work of John the Baptist, then Jesus’ baptism and temptation and Mark’s moving forward with the narrative, teaching and miracles of Jesus’ public ministry.

So why doesn’t Mark begin the “gospel about Jesus” with his birth?  Really why doesn’t Peter begin with the birth of Jesus? (Strong evidence points to the source of Mark’s gospel as the account of the Apostle Peter.)

Perhaps the best explanation is he was focused on the life and ministry of Jesus.  As one blog post wrote in defense of its absence (read it in its entirety here: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/why-doesnt-mark-say-anything-about-jesus-birth/):

• Silence doesn’t mean denial
• Brevity doesn’t mean ignorance
• Absence doesn’t mean it’s not assumed

These are all good points, but what about this opening verse assumes the reality of his birth as Matthew and Luke relate it?

1. The message of Mark is the gospel…the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ.

Mark uses the same word the angels did in Luke 2:10-11 “10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you GOOD NEWS of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

What the angels announced the shepherds was fully going to play out in the Gospel of Mark.  He wanted his readers to know that over everything he was going to recount and share about the life of Jesus had one purpose: Share the Good News about Jesus!

2. The person about whom Mark is writing is JESUS CHRIST

Names stick.  Mark doesn’t start another account about another person, but identifies the focus of his message as Jesus Christ.  This was the very name given to the baby born in the manger by Joseph:

Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” …

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

The Christ was the “anointed one.”  The whole of the Old Testament narrative and prophecy was to bring “the Christ” into the world.  God hadn’t forgotten.  Mark recognizes God’s faithfulness in the title for Jesus, “the Christ.”  Mary knew that God was using her to fulfill his promises to his people as she sang, “

Luke 1:54             He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful

55           to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”

3. Mark identifies Jesus as the SON OF GOD.

The angel said to Joseph:

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”

The angel speaking to Mary said:

Luke 1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

While Mark adds no new details to the birth of Jesus, he affirms all that was revealed at the birth of Jesus in his opening words.  He assumes the reality, affirms the truth, and then advances the GOOD NEWS God’s Spirit gave to him regarding the events and teaching of Jesus, the one whose birth we celebrate at Christmas.

Mark doesn’t say much, but he packs a ton of truth about Christmas in his opening verse!

Apply: What insight of Mark’s opening verse stands out to you in light of the truth of Christmas?

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the continuity between all the authors of the Bible.  While some you gave details and others you allowed authors to omit, through them all you communicated clearly your plan of love to save all of us from the consequence of our sins!

If you missed part 4 of “Believe Christmas” CLICK HERE to listen to Sunday’s Message, “Believe the HOPE of Christmas”

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Good morning devotion reader…

With Christmas Day at the end of this week, I’d like to journey with you through the accounts found (or not found) in the four Gospels that relate different details and perspective on the birth of Jesus.  While the image of the baby in a manger is familiar, I invite you to consider the details that are communicated and the importance of them (Also notice what details we assume about the Christmas event that are not found in the Gospels.)

We begin with Matthew.

Matthew is writing to an audience of Jewish people and has as a purpose throughout his Gospel to draw the connection between Jesus and the Old Testament prophesies.  Perhaps ironic as Matthew was a tax-collector called to follow Jesus, and yet many of his Jewish people thought him to be a traitor.  Yet God’s Spirit inspired him to reach the very Jews that called him a “sinner” with the saving message of the Messiah.

Lineage was important for the Messiah.  I invite you to look at chapter 1:1-17 as Matthew begins the book with tracing the lineage of Jesus back to Abraham.  The Messiah must be a descendent of Abraham to be authentic.  Matthew does the research and checks that box for the reader right at the beginning.

With the lineage of Jesus established, Matthew jumps into the first prophecy:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”) (Isaiah 7:14).

But for this prophecy to be fulfilled, it created questions, confusion, and finally confidence in Joseph.  Who wouldn’t wonder what happened if the lady you are engaged to is found to be with child.  Assumption is that another man is involved.

So God intervenes to explain to Joseph what was taking place. Mary was not unfaithful.  Mary was the human vessel for the Son of God to take on human flesh.  The miracle of Isaiah’s prophecy was playing out in real time in Joseph’s life.

Joseph does as the angel of the Lord commanded.  He dismissed the idea of divorce and courageously embraced the role of being the earthly father of Jesus.

“And gave him the name Jesus.”  We don’t hear a lot about Joseph’s role in Jesus’ life, but following the word of the Lord through the angel he gave Jesus his human name: Jesus.  Why?  Because Joseph believed he truly would “save his people from their sins.”

Enjoy reflecting on the faithfulness of the Lord spurring the faithfulness of Joseph to be a faithful father to Jesus and husband to Mary:

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Apply: What detail or insight from Matthew’s account enhances your appreciation of the miracle and significance of Jesus’ birth?

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for sending Jesus into the world through the miracle of a virgin birth and under the watchful and faithful care of his earthly father Joseph. AMEN

Government mandates. Travel headaches. Challenging weather. Christmas day?

Many in our country are facing new rounds of CoVid related mandates.  Many are preparing to travel for the Christmas holiday and bracing for the headaches that come with it.  We have seen weather systems wreak havoc on parts of our country and Christmas Day is only 8 days away.

Makes traveling at Christmas challenging and perhaps makes one opt for the coziness of home and a warm fire.

I’m sure Mary and Joseph would have wished for the same choice.  The Christmas account makes little of the trip Joseph took his expecting bride on from the 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  But a government mandate issued by the Caesar made it a mandatory thing.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. (Luke 2:1-2)

So Joseph followed the mandate and set out with his 9-month pregnant wife.

4 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

I’m not sure what prompted the thought this morning was, “How long would it take Joseph and Mary to get from Nazareth to Jerusalem.  Some feel five days minimum and up to 14 days.  So perhaps today was departure day for Joseph and Mary…or at least they are “on the road.”

We often get a peaceful look at Mary riding on a donkey under the stars of the night.  However, reading about the terrain and listening to a video, there is nothing easy about the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  It is filled with rugged terrain, elevation changes, and the wilderness of the area from Jericho to Jerusalem (Think of the parable of the Good Samaritan).  The need to travel with food and water.  The trip was not smooth.  Safety was not guaranteed.  Weather was unpredictable.

Joseph could have given up.  Mary could have begged to turn around. But they didn’t.  They made the uncomfortable, arduous journey to Bethlehem.

Imagine the weariness of a 5-10 day journey and then it was time for the baby to be born.   There was no room…and the baby was on the way.  So Mary .  And that’s where Jesus was born.

(Here’s an interesting video on the travel route Joseph and Mary might have taken: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtq1Fugkihk)

What does this all have to do with Christmas?

Marvel at the amazing work of love God orchestrated to bring our Savior into the world!

If I were Joseph, I’d be complaining about the government mandate…but God was using it to fulfill prophesy and stay true to his promises.

If I were Mary, I’d be complaining about the trip when it was long and uncomfortable and desire to be home where it was familiar and comfortable…but God was at work strengthening the faith of Mary to help me understand a servant of God trusts the work and timing of God.

If I were Caesar I would be counting the revenue the census would bring in, but God was counting the souls that would be saved as his promises were fulfilled.

Matthew 2:6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’”

If I were God, I would never have scripted it this way.  But from the first step of the journey from Nazareth to the first breath of baby Jesus, God’s plan is perfectly being carried out.

Galatians 4:4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

Christmas is only 8 days away, but the promises and plan of God is in the works!

Apply: How in your life have you looked back and noticed the amazing, loving detail God has worked in your life to bring blessing in your life?  Whether through challenges or good times…he can and does guide and bless both!

Prayer: Lord, as I prepare to celebrate the birth of your Son, help me never forget that while Christmas is a special day, every day leading up to it and from it are days that you ordained and guided to show your love to me and the world! AMEN.

Devotions this week based on the Message: “Believe the GOOD NEWS of Christmas!”

WATCH Full Sunday message

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Who’s taking care of you?

He tends his flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;

he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11)

For most of us, the relationship of a shepherd to his sheep is a bit foreign.  I have never been around sheep except in a petting zoo, nor have I ever been asked to watch a flock of sheep (a good thing for the sheep!)  Yet, this picture of God’s relationship to us as a shepherd has a relationship to his sheep is one that occurs multiple times in the pages of Scripture.

Isaiah 40 is no different.

If you were a member of the people of Israel, God had designated that the kings and priests of his people would be the ones who would watch over and protect the people from physical and spiritual harm.  A few did well.  Most failed God and failed the people.  The people were going into captivity to a foreign nation and the Lord was allowing judgment on the people for their drifting away from the loyalty to the Lord.

So who was taking care of the people to whom Isaiah was writing?

One might have felt a bit insecure if anyone was taking care of them if they were under enemy control and the judgment of God.

Yet, the good news of Isaiah 40 continues with the words above.  God HAD NOT abandoned his people.  In fact, he chose to override the earthly “shepherds” and do it himself.  HE would be the shepherd of his people.

Which is a far more comforting and  powerful picture of his love not just for the people of Isaiah’s day, but for you and me as well.  God has not abandoned his people, rather providing the perfect care for his people.

God’s Spirit gives Isaiah four verbs as to what the Lord would do as our “good shepherd.”  Each emphasizes an important aspect of God’s relationship and care for us.

1. He TENDS his flock like a shepherd. The tending work of the shepherd was to ensure that the sheep had their physical needs taken care of.  He would lead them to “green pastures” to eat and “beside quiet waters” to drink.  Their PHYSICAL needs were taken care of.
2. He GATHERS the lambs in his arms. The gathering work of the shepherd would ensure the safety of those most vulnerable.  The heart of the shepherd was willing to “lay down his life for his sheep.”  He let go of his safety to ensure the safety of the lambs and the sheep.
3. He CARRIES them close to his heart. The carrying work of the shepherd was not just transporting a sheep from one place to another while holding them at arms length, the carrying work of the shepherd let the lamb know they were loved.  He truly cared about them.  The shepherd would provide the emotional and relational need of the sheep.
4. He gently LEADS those that have young. The leading work of the shepherd was intentional.  They didn’t wander in circles.  When it was time to move the shepherd knew where they were headed.  He had a destination in mind.  The shepherd would ensure all reached that destination.

These verbs are what God does for us in sending Jesus, who said, “I am the good shepherd”!  HE is the one who takes care of our physical needs.  He is the one who ensures we are safe from the prowling destruction of Satan.  He is the one who establishes the relationship with  us as his children and ensures us that we are loved.  He is the one who desires to lead us to heaven and there spend an eternity with us.

This is the GOOD NEWS of Christmas.  God sent Jesus to this world to do all that was necessary to shepherd us, not because he had to, but because he had a heart of loved that wanted to.

Jesus came with the passion to shepherd you because he cares deeply for you!

Apply: Read Psalm 23.  How does God tend, gather, carry and lead you?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming at Christmas to be our shepherd…to tend us, gather us, carry us and lead us.  AMEN.