A Season of WaitingSample

The Stage is Set

A manger, a drummer boy, and a couple of sheep? Sounds like a quaint fairytale. But the reality is that Jesus’ time on earth unfolded amidst significant historical events and humble human experiences. Let’s take a closer look.

Jesus was likely born between 4 and 6 BC, not in 0 AD as is often thought. Oops! Some key figures and a major event are involved here: Caesar Augustus, Quirinius, and a census across the entire Roman world. This was a big deal, and yes, we have other historical sources to corroborate these details: the Res Gestae Divi Augusti (‘The Deeds of the Divine Augustus’), the works of the historian Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews, and Roman census records. These brief verses in Luke 2 offer a glimpse into God’s control over history. What may seem like the ordinary event of a Roman census was pivotal in fulfilling biblical prophecy about the Messiah’s birthplace.

Joseph and Mary’s journey under imperial decree highlights the humble and ordinary circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth. The mentions of Bethlehem and David’s lineage further underscore Jesus’ identity as the long-awaited Messiah from the royal line of David.

The stage is set for the birth of Jesus, not as a myth, but firmly rooted in historical events. It shows how God’s plans unfold even through the actions of powerful empires, rulers, and the simple obedience of humble individuals like Joseph and Mary.

Written by Aaron Wright