Second Tuesday of Advent

"In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered, Joseph 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. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child." Luke 2:1-5

Part of God's Plan

At the time of Jesus' birth, the Romans were the most powerful nation in the world, and the Emperor Augustus was the most powerful Roman. When he set out to do something, it usually happened. Augustus wanted to find out how many people lived in the lands under Roman control, so he declared that a census should be taken. Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem in order to register there for the census.

Augustus just wanted to know how much money he should be collecting in taxes; he had no idea that the Savior of the World was about to be born. The most powerful man in the world was part of God's plan without even knowing it.

God works in ways that we cannot always understand, but faith tells us God is always at work for our benefit. As we ponder the mystery of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem long ago, let us have faith that god is at work in the world today.

God of All Goodness, help us to remember even that the most powerful people in the world are dependent upon You just like the weakest. May all people learn to serve You in humility and love. Amen.