If you are reading this, you probably have heard the story of Christ’s birth. In Luke chapter 2, we see a simple explanation of how it came to be, but there are many things I had not thought much about until recently. When Christ was born, Caesar Augustus sent out a decree to the whole known world to be taxed. All people would need to pay their taxes. The phrase “all the world” was important. The fourth monarchy was at its peak in government. This Roman empire had extended itself to encompass Parthia in one direction and Britain in the other direction. This family of rulers had continued to expand its borders until it was declared “Terraram orbis imperium.” This phrase means the empire of the whole earth. Luke says the “whole world” in verse 1. The goal was to rule everything and no one would be allowed to threaten the monarchy. The entire civilized world was dependent on this empire. At this moment in time, God chose to send the Messiah. The King of Kings would come to take His place as the ruler of those who would believe.
Luke 2:1-7” 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 Cyrenius 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. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
In Daniel 2:44, we find the prophecy of the time of Christ’s birth. It was in the days of kings, and it was in the fourth monarchy. God had set the time of Christ’s birth from before the beginning of time. It would be a kingdom that could not, nor would not, be destroyed. A kingdom ruled by God and God alone. While the world sees earthly kings ruling, the true King would not come about through human power. It would not happen because of wars and human conquests. It exists because God appoints it. All Bible scholars agree this was the kingdom of the Messiah!
Daniel 2:44 “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”
When Christ was born, everything would change. The Messiah would be worshiped by some and hunted by others. This child would grow to be a man many would follow to see His miracles, but they would reject His Lordship. Many would claim to be dedicated to Him, but like Judas, they would betray Him. Others would be like Peter, who declared his allegiance and then denied Him. Thankfully, Peter’s denial gives us a picture of God’s grace and forgiveness, as well as Peter’s restoration.
When Christ was born, the long-awaited Messiah was accepted by some but rejected by most. The same is true today. The Messiah came and died for our sins, yet He is rejected by the majority. When Christ was born, multitudes followed Him for what He could do for them physically. Today, our world is full of those who seek Him in times of trouble and forget Him when their needs are met.
What does His birth mean to you? Do you long to see Him, to sit at His feet and praise Him for your eternal salvation? Or are you like the multitudes who want Him as your Savior so you can escape Hell but do not want Him as your Lord, your Master, and your King?
Be honest with yourself. Spend some time thinking about what His birth means to you. Examine your actions and see if they are consistent with your words. If they are not, today is the time to change.
