FABRICATIONS IN LIFE

From My Perspective - - - 

Once upon a time, based upon a governmental decree, there were thousands of people who were inconvenienced because they were required to find their way to the place of their personal birth and heritage. There were no protests in the streets, nor would they have been tolerated, as thousands of people, regardless of their personal situation and status in life, had to comply. The singular secular purpose was to enable the government of Syria to conduct a census so that the known people of that day could be taxed accordingly. It was a day when the mode of transportation was to walk, ride upon an animal of join a caravan that was headed in one’s required direction. One of the people having to make an 80 mile journey happened to be near full-term pregnancy. She would have to travel at a slower pace to avoid a miscarriage and a donkey was secured to enable her to ride rather than walk the 80 miles from where she was living to the place of her betrothed’s ancestral home town. When arriving at that place, other people had gotten there days earlier and there was no place for her and her betrothed to stay. An Inn-Keeper condescended to let them stay in the common stable for the night.

This account finds a place of special mention in the Bible and the reason for its inclusion is also stated. If one reads Luke 2:1-8 NLT, this account is given: “Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah (at least, 80 miles), David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancé, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel (Inn)…” 

In the secular culture, the people of this day are not required to travel to the place of their birth for the purpose of a census and taxation. People may travel but it is a personal choice rather than a requirement. A primary purpose that occurs at this time of the year is almost entirely secular and commercial. Businesses love this time of the year because of the amounts of money people spend in the hope that family members will enjoy and appreciate the gifts that are given and exchanged.The purpose of the activity at this time of the year is far different from that which should be observed. The narrative of Luke 2:9-16 NLT continues, “There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood.They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were startled and terrified. The angel said, Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is The Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger. At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger…”

The Fabrication In Life today is that the secular world disparages this event and celebration. There has been a growing trend to remove Manger Scenes and Christmas Carols from the public scene. The focus is on Santa Claus rather than Jesus Christ; on the secular rather than the spiritual; on material gain rather than the free Gift of God’s grace. In a day of Global Terrorism and Economic Uncertainty, it would be a good time to return to the True Purpose and Focus for this season - the Birth of Jesus Christ the Savior - The One Who will save His people from their sins. May your observances include Him - Jesus - and may your household echo the song of the Angel Choirs - Glory to God in the Highest! Consider these things with me.