We must consider the perfect timing of the birth of Jesus. During Roman occupation, a census was ordered. Joseph and Mary needed to return to their ancestral home: the city of David. This registry was happening at the worst time to travel – when Mary was very pregnant. And lo and behold, Emmanuel was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah. Did God really intricately weave the machinations of empires, Caesars, and governors for his own timing and purpose? Of course he did. Our sovereign God planned the incarnation of his Son and the redemption of his people before the foundation of the world. Caesars and their decrees are but instruments in the hands of our great God. And that is the God who knew you and called you to him. That is the God who sent his only Son for you. That is the Spirit who sanctifies you and seals your salvation. Consider His perfect plan.
Scriptures to consider:
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is form of old, from ancient days…And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. Micah 5:2, 4-5a
Hymn to enjoy:
O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
How silently, how silently
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of His heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive Him still
the dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin, and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
o come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel!
Lyrics by Phillips Brooks (1868); music by Lewis H. Redner (1868)
The Type B Mom 
This blessed me
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