Luke 2:1;3-5) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the City of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

 

Joseph and Mary traveled approximately eighty miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem because Caesar Augustus had set forth a decree that everyone had to pay their taxes in the city where they were from. This may have seemed odd but in reality, it happened to fulfill Prophecy!

 

Seven hundred years prior, God spoke through the Prophet Micah and said, But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2) Although Bethlehem was (and still is) a small city, it was the birthplace of David as well and would now also be the birthplace of the Messiah.

 

Joseph and Mary were living approximately 80 miles away from Bethlehem in a town called Nazareth, but because of the decree set forth by Caesar Augustus, they had to make the hard trip to Bethlehem. And so, they packed their things on the back of a donkey and set out on their journey.

 

Mary was well into her pregnancy so it is assumed that she would at times ride the donkey. However, Joseph walked the entire distance. They got there just in time for Baby Jesus to be born. The Prophecy made by Micah seven hundred years prior would be fulfilled!

 

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2) The last part of this Prophecy states that Jesus was alive from the beginning and will be forever. This was reinforced by the great Prophet Isaiah who referred to Him as Immanuel, God with us. (Isaiah 7:14)

 

Every Prophecy in the Word of God either has already been or will be fulfilled. Prophecies are the Word of God predicting the future concerning His Kingdom. It is fascinating to study the fulfillment of Prophecy and will take one to a much deeper walk in faith.

 

Although Jesus was not born on December 25th, He was born and it all happened exactly as Prophesied. Of that, we can be sure. We take this time to celebrate the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Tonight we try to put ourselves in Mary and Joseph’s place. She was nine months pregnant and they had to get to Bethlehem. The journey was long and hard but they made it just in time for the baby to be born. Prophecy fulfilled! Hallelujah!

 

 

Only God can……..….turn the tide

 

I love to tell the story,         Doreen

 

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