Read: Luke 2:1- 18 Micah 5:2 I Corinthians 1:26-28
Consider:
“It came about in those days…” These are real events, not a fairy tale. This timing is so very interesting. Not only did it need to coincide with events in the cosmos for the magi to travel as a result of a star in the sky, but consider that Israel had been waiting and waiting since their return from exile for things to be made right again. It had been hundreds of years since the rhythm of God speaking through prophets, had silenced. It seemed like God had stopped talking, stopped working, stopped intervening for them.
“…a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered…” This registration was to provide an efficient way to further tax the Jewish people. The Jews hated Rome for this. It was inconvenient, seemed like harassment. But, because of one tyrannical decision from a successful military dictator, Joseph has to take pregnant Mary from Nazareth, on a difficult journey to Bethlehem for the sole purpose of registering with a government he didn’t choose or believe in so they could take more of his money.
“…because he was of the house and lineage of David…” What beyond his ancestry is special about Joseph? It seems not much. He was a carpenter, a blue collar guy. We know he was poor. But, he was chosen by God.
What can we learn? God can overcome the worst of leaders. God can use bad tax laws and census’ for His purposes. God loves and uses the overlooked, the overshadowed, and the overwhelmed. God can allow, or even script, problems to reveal His love.