Given

1 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.
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. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:1-14

Before Jesus was born, messengers carried a decree from the Roman Emperor to all the Roman world. There was to be a census and everyone was required to be counted. Because of that decree, Joseph and Mary made the journey from Nazareth of Galilee in the north of Israel, to Bethlehem in the south where Jesus was born.

A decree from the Roman Emperor was a frightening thing. No matter how difficult it was to obey, people did so out of fear. To not obey could bring terrible punishment. We might imagine Roman messengers delivering the decree with the words: Be afraid. An order from the ruler of all the Roman world has been given to you.

But at the birth of Jesus, angels began with the words: “Do not be afraid”. Something very different had been given by the ruler of all the universe.

What was given? Good news. But, it was not simply good news; it was good news of great joy. And it was not meant for just the hearers; it was meant for all people.

What was this good news that was given? It was a person, a savior had been given. The Messiah had come. And that savior was described in the sign that was given: a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Through that child we have hope, love, joy, forgiveness. So much has been given. How have you received?
.
Prayer:
• Think about the child born 2,000 years ago. Look beyond the cares and troubles of this world and give thanks to God for all that He has given you.