Post by foxjj on Dec 25, 2022 22:54:04 GMT
At That Time In History
At that time in history the Roman Emperor proclaimed that he was the 'son of a god,' thus taking the title: the Devine Augustus. Desiring to know the extent of his empire, and also wishing to improve income through taxation, the Emperor called for a census to be taken. Rome required that each man return to his ancestral home in order to be registered.
Because Joseph’s ancestors were from Bethlehem, he and his betrothed Miryam of whom we know as Mary, would have to make the arduous journey south from Galilee, to Judea. Miryam was with child and near her time, causing Joseph to be concerned for her and the precious unborn baby. Knowing there was no choice but to obey the law of Rome, Joseph made preparations, and set out on the long journey south to Bethlehem.
Upon entering the small town, they realised to their dismay that many travellers had arrived before them. Consequently, because of the large number of visitors there were no rooms to be rented. Joseph was grateful when he eventually found a temporary place of shelter where they could prepare for the birth of the child.
To all outward appearances the birth of Jesus was as any baby’s birth. Mary experienced pain and anguish as all birth mothers have from the days of Eve. This was followed by the joy only a mother can experience with the birth of her first born. It was with wonder and awe that they both looked upon the newborn baby. Joseph wondered what the future held for this precious infant that God had put in his charge.
His thoughts were interrupted as he heard a noise outside their humble abode. People were approaching and the hour was late. Moving quickly Joseph stood between the entrance and Mary, in order to protect her and the baby. It was soon apparent the small group of men who timidly entered were no treat.
With an air of wonder the visitors asked if they could see the newborn. The men explained that they were local shepherds who, while watching their flock only a short time ago, experienced an angelic visitation. Angels announced to them the birth of Messiah; Christ The Lord. After the angels had left the shepherds decided to seek this newborn child of whom they had been told.
Hearing the shepherds report, Joseph marveled at the way's of God. Here he was, a humble carpenter, charged with the great responsibility of being a father to the newborn Messiah, the One who would save the people from their sin. He, Joseph, son of Jacob had been chosen to bring up the one of whom Isaiah had wrote would be Immanuel, which means God with us. After the shepherds had left, feeling fatigued, Mary lay down to sleep.
What were Josephs thoughts as he gazed in wonder at the baby laying in the manger? I like to think that they would have been along these lines, “At long last little one you are here among us. Down through the ages many have looked for your coming. I wonder what your life will be like? Will kings kneel before you? Or, on the other hand, will their pride and arrogance make them seek your life? When the angel appeared to me, he did say you would save your people from their sins. I wonder how you will accomplish such a mighty task? What a night this has been, even the Heavenly Host rejoiced at your birth. People will call you Jesus son of Joseph, but your Mother and I will always know the truth.” Raising his eyes to Heaven Joseph would pray, “O’ Lord God of Abraham and Jacob, help me to be worthy of the great task before me.”
God had a plan for the baby born on that special night in Bethlehem. The world was unaware of the birth of this one Jewish child born in a province of Roman. However, when He had accomplish the supreme task His Father had sent Him to undertake, the world would know of the genuine Son of God - Jesus The Christ.
Today, let us praise our God for His Messiah.
John Joseph Fox.
At that time in history the Roman Emperor proclaimed that he was the 'son of a god,' thus taking the title: the Devine Augustus. Desiring to know the extent of his empire, and also wishing to improve income through taxation, the Emperor called for a census to be taken. Rome required that each man return to his ancestral home in order to be registered.
Because Joseph’s ancestors were from Bethlehem, he and his betrothed Miryam of whom we know as Mary, would have to make the arduous journey south from Galilee, to Judea. Miryam was with child and near her time, causing Joseph to be concerned for her and the precious unborn baby. Knowing there was no choice but to obey the law of Rome, Joseph made preparations, and set out on the long journey south to Bethlehem.
Upon entering the small town, they realised to their dismay that many travellers had arrived before them. Consequently, because of the large number of visitors there were no rooms to be rented. Joseph was grateful when he eventually found a temporary place of shelter where they could prepare for the birth of the child.
To all outward appearances the birth of Jesus was as any baby’s birth. Mary experienced pain and anguish as all birth mothers have from the days of Eve. This was followed by the joy only a mother can experience with the birth of her first born. It was with wonder and awe that they both looked upon the newborn baby. Joseph wondered what the future held for this precious infant that God had put in his charge.
His thoughts were interrupted as he heard a noise outside their humble abode. People were approaching and the hour was late. Moving quickly Joseph stood between the entrance and Mary, in order to protect her and the baby. It was soon apparent the small group of men who timidly entered were no treat.
With an air of wonder the visitors asked if they could see the newborn. The men explained that they were local shepherds who, while watching their flock only a short time ago, experienced an angelic visitation. Angels announced to them the birth of Messiah; Christ The Lord. After the angels had left the shepherds decided to seek this newborn child of whom they had been told.
Hearing the shepherds report, Joseph marveled at the way's of God. Here he was, a humble carpenter, charged with the great responsibility of being a father to the newborn Messiah, the One who would save the people from their sin. He, Joseph, son of Jacob had been chosen to bring up the one of whom Isaiah had wrote would be Immanuel, which means God with us. After the shepherds had left, feeling fatigued, Mary lay down to sleep.
What were Josephs thoughts as he gazed in wonder at the baby laying in the manger? I like to think that they would have been along these lines, “At long last little one you are here among us. Down through the ages many have looked for your coming. I wonder what your life will be like? Will kings kneel before you? Or, on the other hand, will their pride and arrogance make them seek your life? When the angel appeared to me, he did say you would save your people from their sins. I wonder how you will accomplish such a mighty task? What a night this has been, even the Heavenly Host rejoiced at your birth. People will call you Jesus son of Joseph, but your Mother and I will always know the truth.” Raising his eyes to Heaven Joseph would pray, “O’ Lord God of Abraham and Jacob, help me to be worthy of the great task before me.”
God had a plan for the baby born on that special night in Bethlehem. The world was unaware of the birth of this one Jewish child born in a province of Roman. However, when He had accomplish the supreme task His Father had sent Him to undertake, the world would know of the genuine Son of God - Jesus The Christ.
Today, let us praise our God for His Messiah.
John Joseph Fox.
