In the book of Luke it tells us that Augustus who ruled Rome from 27 BC to 14 AD ordered a census or a registration of the entire empire. Joseph who is a descendant of David had to go to Bethlehem to register. Bethlehem is the hometown of David. This trip would have been 80 miles over very rugged terrain. In Micah 5:2 it states “but you, O Bethlehem… from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule Israel.” This prophecy was fulfilled by Mary making that hard trip even though she was very pregnant.
A census meant that everyone was travelling and making lodging impossible. Mary and Joseph found lodging in a stable or a cave that housed animals behind an inn.
Family Scripture Reading:
Luke 2 (NLT) The Birth of Jesus
2 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
An example of a gift : There are lots of people traveling during the holidays. Give a gas card to someone or make a kit for a family with treats and coloring books for while they travel.
Family Craft Project— Mary and Joseph had a long journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth. Create a map to Christmas, what are the stops on the way to Christmas for you and your family? Shopping? Parties? Make sure you put some family time and Church family time on there.
Prayer:
Come, Lord Jesus! We hunger, we thirst, we wait for you! Come, Lord Jesus and do not delay! Family members share a time when they have seen the Lord Jesus present in the home or community today. As we prepare for the coming of your Son, O God, We are hungry and thirsty for signs of his love in our lives. We give you thanks for this season of waiting and hopefulness for Jesus to be even more present in the life of this family. We give you thanks for this food and drink, signs of your gracious love. May this meal strengthen us to love each other and our neighbors as we wait for the coming of your Son, Jesus. Grant this through Christ our Lord,
Come, Lord Jesus! We hunger, we thirst, we wait for you! Come, Lord Jesus and do not delay! Family members share a time when they have seen the Lord Jesus present in the home or community today. As we prepare for the coming of your Son, O God, We are hungry and thirsty for signs of his love in our lives. We give you thanks for this season of waiting and hopefulness for Jesus to be even more present in the life of this family. We give you thanks for this food and drink, signs of your gracious love. May this meal strengthen us to love each other and our neighbors as we wait for the coming of your Son, Jesus. Grant this through Christ our Lord,
All: Amen
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