Scripture: Luke 2:1
In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists.
Thought for the Day: Over the next five days, I plan to have us look at the first seven verses of Luke 2 – the basic Christmas Story. This opening verse sets the stage for the drama. It begins with Caesar Augustus making a degree. The word we translate as declared is the Greek word dogma, and it is only used a few times in the New Testament. In Luke’s companion book, the Book of Acts, there is a line that speaks of how the followers of Jesus do what is contrary to the decrees of Caesar by naming Jesus as king (Acts 17:7). The Christmas Story begins with words that make it appear as if Caesar is powerful, but as the story unfolds, the world will come to know another form of power – a form of power much stronger than anything Caesar could have imagined – the power of love.
Prayer: O Lord of the Nativity, when the powers and principalities of this world attempt to wield their authority, keep us faithful to the ways of love that demonstrate your power. Amen.
