Luke 2:1-20
Just before Mary gave birth to Jesus, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census be taken. For
Joseph and Mary, this meant a long difficult trip late in a most uncomfortable time of her pregnancy. Yet,
Joseph complied with the governing authorities making the journey only to arrive where there was room
except in a barn. Mary gave birth to Jesus and used strips of cloth to cover him and laid Him in a
feeding troth for animals. From an earthly view, this was tragic, but from heaven’s view, it was God’s
favor on humanity announced by angels to shepherds. They visited the baby informing the parents of
this divine visitation. Though it was a difficult and humble beginning, “…Mary treasured all these things,
pondering them in her heart.” (19). Let us not grumble of our humble circumstances, for in them the
favor of God can work for God’s glory. Let us not grumble, but treasure the work and word of God in
them.