In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 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, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In our minds we rush in this passage to the last verse, with the baby Jesus all snuggled up and lying in this feeding trough. We have created in our minds this quiet, calming, almost romantic scene, sterile from its surroundings and insulated from the noise of a crowded inn, with no air conditioning to drown out the snoring neighbor in the next room or bed. We glamorize this long, rugged trip that was required for more government control and taxation. We forget the lack of conveniences we take for granted. Yet, there is a real sense in which it is all peaceful, calming, quieting. Though this is usually one of my busiest times of year, I always find great peace. Why? The Son has come. As we get very close to celebrating Incarnation Day, ask yourself today: What makes me peaceful, quiet in my soul at Christmas? Have I somehow lost that? and What can I do to help others find that peace like I have?
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