DAILY?READINGS: Nehemiah 12; Zechariah 8; Revelation 16
It came to pass in those days that there went out a decree. Luke 2:1
For unto you is born this day … a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
“In those days,” (Luke 2:1) Caesar Augustus ruled and in an outpost of his vast empire, two insignificant people: one a carpenter and the other a peasant girl, were on their way to Bethlehem because of His decree. In Mary’s womb, she carried the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Was Augustus really in control? He did not know the promise of Micah 5:2, “But thou Bethlehem Ephratah … out of thee shall He come forth … to be ruler in Israel.” Yes, “in those days” a sovereign God was at work and Mary brought forth the Saviour! —Jim Comte
Born among cattle in poverty sore, living in meekness by Galilee’s shore,
Dying the death as the wicked ones swore, Jesus, wonderful Lord.
—Paul White