Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2.1-7

Upon the death of Julius Caesar, his adopted son, Octavian Caesar, became Emperor of Rome and reigned from 27 BC to 14 AD. Through a series of political and military maneuvers, he introduced a period known as the Pax Romana (Peace of Rome). As a result of his accomplishments, Octavian adopted the name Augustus, a religious title of divinity meaning “Majesty” and started referring to himself as imperator Caesar divi filius (Emperor Caesar, son of god). He began requiring Roman citizens to pay homage to him, not only through taxation, but also through pledging their allegiance with the phrase “Caesar is Lord”. In addition to setting the historical context, Luke’s mention of Caesar Augustus contrasts the kingdom of man with the Kingdom of God that Jesus will usher in.

Archeological finds from this period indicate this census was taken predominantly for taxation purposes. Every male was required to return to his hometown or ancestral home. For the Jews, this was just another burden placed on them by a Roman Emperor, who had set himself up as a god. However, God in His providence used Caesar’s decree to place Joseph and Mary in the small town of Bethlehem in fulfillment of prophecy (Micah 5:2).

The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 70 miles. We don’t know how long Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem when the time came for her to give birth, but there was no lodging available, so Jesus was born in a manger. The word for manger indicates a feeding trough for livestock, most likely made of wood, hewn stone or a depression in the wall. The birth of Jesus was lowly and humble, in stark contrast to Jewish Messianic expectations or an earthly ruler like Caesar Augustus.

Describing this humble scene, Isaac Williams wrote, “The unfathomable depths of the divine counsels were moved; the fountains of the great deep were broken up; the healing of the nations was issuing forth; but nothing was seen on the surface of human society but this slight rippling of the water.”

Weekly Memory Verse: O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8