Luke 2:1-3 – “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 Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.” NKJV

The prophets of old declared that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Had Augustus, an evil tyrant, not made his decree Mary & Joseph would not have been in Bethlehem. They were there to fulfill the prophecy that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. God used a tyrant to facilitate the fulfillment of His prophetic word.  Isn’t it amazing how God will use the base things of this life to achieve His purposes?  While I never applaud evil governments or tyrants I applaud this event in that it helped facilitate the purposes of God and we would have a day that we would come to celebrate as Christmas in honor of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ the Savior!

I don’t know what was going on in the hearts of Mary & Joseph that night as the time of delivery neared.  I know the Bible tells us that Mary pondered things in her heart regarding this child and the words of the Angel from God. 

As we stand on the Eve of the day that we have set aside to celebrate the birth of our Messiah let us allow the anticipation and excitement that heaven must have had flood our hearts. Then on the morrow when we gather around the tree or whatever your custom is, consider the “Reason for the Season.”  I’ve had people tell me Christmas is for kids.  I beg to differ it is for mankind. 

It is for Redemption, Restoration, and LIFE!  It is for Remembrance of what the birth of Jesus meant then and now.  Without that event, we would still be in darkness bound by the powers of darkness and slaves to the devil.  But because of a cold, dark, meager stable as a place, we have HOPE! In those humble surroundings the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS came into this world for the express purpose of Redeeming that which was lost – You and Me!

On this Christmas Eve allow your mind to entertain the real reason for this holiday and I believe that it will have a transforming effect on your heart and mind and even your relationship with others.  It will most assuredly make this day and tomorrow even more special to you!

With that, I say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.  May the richest and best of the blessings of the Lord be yours on this Christmas and may Jesus become the focal point of all that you do as you reflect on God’s incredible love! 

God Bless and have a Happy and Safe Christmas!