Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20
Not much is told in profane history about the period in which the event of the birth of Jesus belongs. It is said, however, that there are distinct traces that such a census as Luke describes took place. The great emperor commanded that an enrollment of all the world should be made. The emperor did not know when he issued this decree that long before he was born there had gone forth another decree from a more glorious King, which unwittingly he was now helping to execute. It had been written by the prophet under divine inspiration that the Messiah should be born in Bethlehem. But Joseph and Mary were living at Nazareth, a long distance from Bethlehem. How should they be brought to Bethlehem so as to fulfill the prophecy? They had no business there. Now comes the emperor’s decree which requires them to appear in the town of David to be enrolled.
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