Luke 2:1-14, (15-20) (NRSV)
Read Luke 2:1-14, (15-20) on biblegateway.com
Chapter 2In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. Verse 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Verse 3All went to their own towns to be registered. Verse 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. Verse 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. Verse 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. Verse 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Verse 8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Verse 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. Verse 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: Verse 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. Verse 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." Verse 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Verse 14"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" Verse 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." Verse 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. Verse 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; Verse 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. Verse 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. Verse 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Devotion
A blessed Christmas to one and all! Maybe, like Joseph and Mary, you've gone back to your hometowns to celebrate Christ's birth with family and friends. That's what this narrative of a census as a prelude to Jesus' birth always brings to mind. Isn't it a funny notion that the tradition of going home for Christmas was begun by Jesus' parents? But not everyone has a hometown — at least not anymore. Not everyone has their "own town" to return to where people know them and their family name.
The church has become this place for many. The fellowship of my congregation and yours is where people can come and count and be registered. All because of Jesus. Whether they — or you — have been a "Chreaster" worshiper (urban-dictionary word for people who attend only Christmas and Easter services) or are at church every day of the week, you count! Everyone counts in God's Kingdom census! And everyone is welcomed home!
Prayer
Almighty God, we give you thanks this Christmas Day for the birth of your Son Jesus, who came into this world so that all may have a place to belong and be registered with you. Amen.