“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world… and everyone went to their own town to register.”
There is so much undercurrent in these beginning verses of Luke 2. It’s a frightening time. The Roman Emperor is now hailed as “Augustus Caesar” - a religious title of divinity - reminding the people that it is ultimately the Emperor who rules them, not their God. And that ruler is forcing them to travel long distances, leaving homes and work, seemingly for his own vain purposes. People are impotent against the forces that control them. And so a young poor couple are forced into a four day journey, far from the support of her family and their community, while she is close to giving birth to a child. Those first verses of Luke 2 are a picture of powerlessness.
The powerlessness continues as Mary gives birth, and the place where the new family huddles is a stable. From the world’s perspective, this is a sad story of people without resources or hope. Seven verses about the might of the world, and the powerlessness of a young family.
Of course, Mary and Joseph know that this isn’t the full story. In Mary’s song (“The Magnificat”) in Luke 1, Mary proclaims:
“…for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name… He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” - Luke 1:49, 52 NIV
By the beginning of Luke 2, this knowledge is still a secret. In verse 8, another group of very unlikely people join in the secret.
“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.” - Luke 2:8-14 NIV
The strength, the glory, the light of the Lord, the magnificence of a heavenly host (a military term for an army of angels) suddenly show that the world’s power is nothing in comparison to the power of the Lord.
Of course throughout the story of the gospels the forces of this world wage war against the might of God. King Herod causes the young family to flee Bethlehem and become immigrants in Egypt. The political strength of the Sadducees war against Jesus and His ministry. The Roman Empire condemns Jesus to death. But each time it seems that the power of the world has won, the power of God breaks in. Jesus is born. Jesus’ life demonstrates the miraculous might of God. Jesus’ death results in resurrection, with darkness being defeated for us.
In a day when so much seems out of our control (global crises, high inflation, a broken political system, a culture moving further and further away from God) it’s easy to forget the “secret” of Mary and Joseph and the Shepherds: the story isn’t over. That same miraculous baby that caused an army of angels to break through 2000 years ago, invites us to walk in His power today.
We wish you not only a Merry Christmas, but a Christmas filled with moments when the “secret” of God’s power breaks through, you proclaim with the angels Glory to God in the highest!, and you experience His love and peace.
With Hope,
Pam & Marshal Braman
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