Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days that
a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing
In reading the above passage, let us draw five
applications of the text for our lives today that will be a source of
encouragement to us during this Christmas season:
1. GOD CAN WORK THROUGH WORLDLY
GOVERNMENT TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PLANS AND PURPOSES
Explain–God actually used a decree and a census
from a pagan Roman government to position Joseph and Mary for the birth of Jesus in
Micah 5:1-2:
1 Marshal your
troops, O city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike
2 "But you,
Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you
will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of
old, from ancient times."
Apply–We are not to be discouraged by what
happens in the world around us or through human governments. God is still God
and the heart of the King is in the hand of the Lord. He is sovereign and can
trump the plans of man in order to fulfill His purposes.
2. GOD CAN WORK THROUGH TRIPS WHERE WE
GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Explain–Joseph returned to
Apply–During this Christmas season, be
encouraged to know that God can do something strategic in and through you as
you return home to be with family. Realize that there may be positive deposits
from your heritage of which you are still unaware. Also go with the knowledge
that you can be light, love, and life to others.
Relationships are so important and especially
within our own family. Have faith that God is at work as you go.
Matthew 28: 18-20: "All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
age.”
3. WE HAVE TO TRUST GOD’S TIMING
CONCERNING THE BIRTH OF WHAT WE CARRY FOR HIM
Explain–I imagine all of us have thought of the
how that donkey ride fared for pregnant Mary. Surely it was a tough trip. Yet,
it was part of God’s plan and had to happen in order for Christ to be born in
Apply–We can be pregnant with the things of God
in our lives as well. We carry something that God has placed within us. At
times, we may become impatient thinking, when will this ever happen. It
actually can quiet a miserable time. Yet, it is worth the "donkey
ride" so to speak, to bring it forth. We simply have to trust God to
work and guide us where we need to be to deliver what we are carrying for Him.
4. GOD CAN MAKE ROOM FOR YOU WHEN MAN SAYS THERE IS NO ROOM
Explain–Though the hotel was empty, God’s
ability to create a spectacular setting was still at work. Don’t be discouraged
if men have shut the door on you. God opens doors that no man can shut. It
could be that you are out of a job, or recently relocated, or facing some other
obstacle. Allow the movement and work of God during the first Christmas season
to encourage you during this holiday season.
5. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE MAKE ROOM
FOR WHAT GOD WANTS TO DO IN OUR HOMES THIS CHRISTMAS
Explain–There was no room in the
Apply–Think of the blessing the Innkeeper missed
because he was unable to find room for Jesus.
Illustrate– I heard the story about an event
that happened one Christmas in an affluent neighborhood in