And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Qririnius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:1-6
“Jesus’ family . . . peaceably complied with the requirement to be registered . . . A census was not simply a means of organizing the tax rolls but was also a means of demonstrating control over the world. Luke’s mention of the infamous census sets up the opposition between the proud, formidable empire of Caesar and God’s eternal reign. The child born in Bethlehem to parents subjected to Roman tyranny will ultimately challenge the existing political order and create an astonishing reversal of authority and power, not through violence but through obedience to God and the giving of his life.”
David E. Garland in Luke (ZECNT; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011) 119.
Each year as we reflect on the Christmas story, God’s generosity comes into view in a new and beautiful way. Today I read Garland’s commentary alongside Luke’s account. Notice that while the Romans thought they were in control and exercised their power over God’s people through taxation, God’s provision and generosity to all people would come through an “astonishing reversal of authority and power, not through violence but through obedience to God and the giving of his life.”
Father in heaven, thank you God for the gift of Jesus, who saves us from our sins through the giving of his life, so that we too might have life in him. May the astonishing reversal of humble obedience be evident in our lives and through our generosity empowered your Holy Spirit. Make it so, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.