Small Wonder: A Christmas Devotional JourneySample

The wonder of a census

It may seem early in Advent for this reading, but it plays a key role in God’s wonderful plan. Helen Keller said, ‘Administration is the art of turning vision into reality – one detail at a time.’ Today, we see how God turns His plans into reality through an administrative decision.

Caesar Augustus was the most powerful man in the world. The Roman senate declared him ‘God incarnate on earth,’ and the poet Virgil wrote that he was the divine king of salvation for whom mankind had waited. Caesar even called himself the ‘son of God,’ claiming divinity through his adoptive father, Julius Caesar. He inaugurated a 12-day celebration of his greatness – called the 12 Days of Advent – and promised peace through his reign.

Yet Luke’s Gospel tells us that this emperor’s decision to take a census – an act of administration – would quietly serve God’s sovereign plan. It led Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in David’s city (Micah 5:2).

You won’t find bureaucracy on a Christmas card, but when you see the manger, remember what it points to: a God whose plans surpass the powers of the day. Within three centuries, the Roman emperor would be a Christian. God’s unseen hand works even through the pens of powerful people to write history – His story.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your plans unfold even through ordinary events. When it’s easy to be fearful, help me to trust in Your quiet but sovereign work in my life, today and every day. Amen.