December 15

It seems strange at first that the story of Christ’s birth takes place in the midst of such a worldly activity – enrolling in the tax lists, or as some versions put it, participating in a census. This introduction anchors the story of Christ’s birth to a specific time in our history, and it provided the impetus for the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy (Micah 5:2). However, it also reminds us that Christ became a man, born to a human family in the midst of living their lives in this broken world. Despite the fact that Mary and Joseph were chosen to bear and raise the son of God, they still had to continue eating and sleeping and paying their taxes. God did not send his son to immediately free us from all the anxieties and sorrows of this world. He sent Him to live among us, to come alongside us amidst our troubles and to show us a better way. Christ teaches us to love and forgive, to show compassion and service towards others, and to put our faith and trust in Him. And while this world is still broken, and will continue to be broken until the day that Christ returns, we can take comfort in the fact that we are not called to fix the world. We are called to live in it, to be in relationship with Christ and one another, and to spread His message of hope and salvation. 

Prayer: Dear God, I thank you for the peace that you offer to each one of us. Sometimes the worries of this world can weigh us down, but you sent your son to this Earth to be with us and to comfort us. We know the world is on his shoulders, not ours, and all will be made perfect in your time. Help us all to follow Christ’s example of how to live, and to put all our hope and trust in you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.