Advent Trail December 17th - Luke 2:1,3

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. (Luke 2:1,3)

Throughout the centuries, God had been at work preparing for the fulfilment of the plan which he had intended “before the creation of the world” (Eph.1:4; Matt.25:34). The Old Testament Scriptures had paved the way for that, and pointed to it. Now in the days of Caesar Augustus, all was finally ready and in place for the coming of his Son, the promised Messiah.

Caesar Augustus reigned from 30BC to AD14. He had put an end to many years of civil war in the Roman world and his mild rule had brought about stable organisation and peace throughout the huge Roman Empire. This Pax Romana (Roman Peace) provided the necessary conditions for which the message of Jesus could come not only to Jews but then spread to Gentiles also. This census for taxation purposes was part of his good administration. Though he didn’t realise it, his command triggered the unfolding of events long-awaited.

So, wrote the apostle Paul, “when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son... that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Gal.4:4-5). This is why we celebrate Christmas, because what happened “in those days” marked the start of God’s plan of salvation being revealed. And because, through the coming of Jesus, those who believe in him are brought into God’s own family, as his children (John 1:12).