Mission Venture Ministries

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to their own town to register. 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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:1-7) 

Let us look beyond the manger account in Luke 2:1-20 to explore several life applications from God’s perspective. The reason being is that sometimes our familiarity with the story of Christmas keeps us from seeing the lessons God means to teach us and can leave us with a rather limited view of Christmas. 

We need to understand that Jesus’ birth, His incarnation isn’t something that simply occurred a long time ago; on the contrary it is of monumental and eternal significance. 

Babies have been born throughout the history of the world and it wasn’t unique for a baby to be born in a stable. Babies have always arrived at inconvenient times and in unexpected places. Yet in this lowly setting, the greatest event in human history took place. The Son of God came to earth as a helpless baby to rescue mankind from sin and condemnation. 

These reflections point us to an important principle: We must be careful not to judge situations by appearance, because what seems insignificant to us may be very important in God’s eyes. 

God works through every circumstance in our life to accomplish His purposes; each situation plays an important role, whether we realize it or not. 

Sometimes God uses the ungodly to accomplish His divine purpose. 

Caesar had authority to make laws that affected the entire Roman Empire. This was the case when he issued a decree that a census be taken of all the lands he ruled over. 

Since everyone was required to register in his own city, Joseph had to travel with Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem because he was from the family of David, who came from there. 

Caesar’s objective was to enrich his empire through taxation, but God used this pagan emperor to fulfill prophecy. Seven hundred years earlier, the prophet Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Caesar’s decree was the means the Lord used to move Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, just in time for the Messiah’s birth. 

The story of Christ’s birth reminds us that nothing can ever hinder God’s plan. Regardless of what choices people who don’t know Christ make, the Lord orchestrates everything according to His eternal purposes. You may experience adversity in this life because of the ungodly, but the Lord has promised to work all things for the eternal good of those who love Him, for His glory (Romans 8:28). 

As we see, God works through unlikely people. In those days, Caesar was considered the most important person in the Roman world. In contrast, Mary and Joseph, who appeared to be an ordinary Jewish couple with a newborn baby in Bethlehem, had a divine purpose, for He chose Mary to bear His Son and trusted her and Joseph to care for Him. 

Another principle we find is that the Lord accomplishes His plans in His way using whomever He chooses. So, you should never think that the Lord can’t use you. Nor should you underestimate what He can do in your life if you’re obedient to Him. Your responsibility is to make yourself available to God, as Mary did, to be used by Him in whatever manner He chooses. 

It’s not our status in the world that matters, but our relationship with Christ. One day, many believers will be honored in heaven, which were never recognized as great on earth. 

As we continue reading the story, we see that God reveals His truths to the humble. 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told (Luke 2:8-20). 

This baby was Israel’s long-awaited Messiah, but the only ones God chose to tell of His arrival were some ordinary shepherds. After hearing the announcement from an angel and seeing a multitude of angels praising God, the shepherds hurriedly left to find the baby. Once they saw Him, they rushed to tell the good news of His arrival to others. 

Why did God choose the seemingly unimportant people in society to be the first to meet the Messiah? Perhaps it was because they were humble and willing to believe the message. Could this be said of you? 

Like the shepherds, we need to be quick to hear and obey God’s Word. 

Are you ready to share the message of Christ’s coming? Christmas provides countless opportunities to tell about this wonderful Savior, and to share what He has done for you. After all, He is the greatest gift any of us will ever receive, and that gives us much to talk about. 

Remember that even when we feel insignificant, there’s great peace in knowing that God providentially guides us wherever we go. You may be an unlikely messenger, but since you know the story, God has made you an ambassador of His great love. 

Never forget that what appears to be unimportant to many has eternal significance and is the greatest gift of love to all that will choose to receive Him. 

Therefore, as the great hymn says: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born. Listen to it here. 

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SOURCE: Adapted from ‘In Touch Ministries’ message, helping to share Jesus with the world.