December 25, 2022

Jose Abaroa
"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

In times of Ancient Rome, no man was more significant than Caesar. Caesar Augustus, also known as Octavian, is heralded as one of the greatest leaders in human history. His leadership brought about a season of peace and prosperity to the world for the next two hundred years (Pax Romana). Peace, of course, was relative since it came at the expense of oppressing the likes of the Jewish people when Israel was annexed by the Romans in 6BC. This sets the stage for the Christmas Story.

Little did the world know that the most significant moment in human history would take place in the most seemingly insignificant way. Think about the contrast! Caesar resided in a marble palace in the metropolis of Rome, while Jesus was born in a manger in the rural town of Bethlehem. Caesar asked for a census by displacing people while God became flesh and made His dwelling place among us. Caesar’s leadership brought peace to the elite in Rome through military takeover, while Jesus came to bring peace to all of humanity through His life, death, and resurrection.

This Christmas season, I am learning that the power of God at times moves in seemingly insignificant ways. How easy it is to idolize the power of Ceasar and the world and then miss the significant move of God in our lives. Take time today to find God in the mangers of your life.