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.”
(Luke 2:1-5 “ESV”)
How strange it seems! The Emperor Augustus spoke, and the wheels of government started turning. And so a small family had their first baby far from home, in Bethlehem—a baby who was the Son of God.
Jesus would be a very different ruler than Augustus—a King who lived among the poor, a refugee for some years, and homeless Himself as an adult. He served people rather than being served—patient years of teaching, healing, listening, and forgiving. And when the time was right, He lay down His life to save His people. And His crown was of thorns, and His throne was a cross.
But that wasn’t the end—for Jesus broke the power of death, not only for Himself but for all of us as well—for everyone who trusts in Him. Augustus died without ever knowing about the greatest thing that happened during his long years in power. But we know—because God made sure that this good news went out into all the world. We have a King who loves us, and we who trust in Him will live with Him in His kingdom forever.
We Pray: Father, thank You for giving us Jesus as our loving King! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What do you think of when someone says “king”?
* How does Jesus fit that picture? How does He differ from it?
* Would you rather have been Augustus, or one of the Christmas shepherds? Why?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.