Advent Devotional: The Gospel of LukeSample

*Written by TJ Johnson

Luke 2 begins, “In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” This introduction accomplishes at least two important things.

Firstly, it places Jesus within real-time and space history. Luke doesn't begin with, "Once upon a time" or "In a galaxy far, far away." He begins, “During the reign of Caesar Augustus... Jesus was born.” Luke is unafraid to root the life of Jesus in historical events. In fact, he encourages his readers to examine the evidence. He names people, places, and events, encouraging readers to visit these locations, investigate the records, and even interview witnesses. Essentially, Luke is saying, “Check my sources.”

As we begin this Christmas countdown, let us remember that our Savior is not a myth. Our faith is not a “logical leap in the dark.” We trust in a God who broke into our world and revealed Himself through “signs and wonders.” And let us also remember that Jesus did not break into history only to abandon it. He made a promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Secondly, Jesus is not only a part of verifiable history—He is also the Lord of history. If you know much about Roman history, you’ll recall that after Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE, Augustus rose to power by defeating his rivals in a series of civil wars. After his victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, Augustus became the unchallenged ruler of Rome. In 27 BCE, the Senate granted him the title Augustus, meaning “revered one.” As emperor, he held supreme power under the system known as the Principate, maintained control over the Roman military, and secured his dominance as lord over the nations (Caesar is Lord).

Yet, Luke begins his Gospel by reminding us that God used the greatest power in the world at that time to accomplish His purposes. Jesus had to be born in the City of David. God needed to get Mary to Bethlehem. So, He moved the heart of Caesar Augustus to issue a decree for a census, forcing everyone to return to their ancestral hometowns. This should not surprise us. God once hardened the heart of Pharaoh. He once softened the heart of Cyrus. He once humbled the heart of Nebuchadnezzar. He once directed the heart of Artaxerxes. As Proverbs 21:1 declares: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will.”

At Jesus’ birth, we are reminded that God is in control of the affairs of this world. At Jesus’ death, we see the same truth: Jesus stands before another Roman leader, Pontius Pilate, saying, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” (John 19:11).

This Christmas season, remind yourself of who your Savior is—the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Join in singing Isaac Watts' hymn: “He rules the world with truth and grace.”

Are you fearful of what the government might do? Fear not.

Are you worried about presidential elections? Fear not.

Are you anxious about an upcoming visa renewal? Fear not.

Are you concerned about new laws that target your faith? Fear not.

This doesn’t necessarily mean everything will work out the way we want. Let’s remember, babies WERE murdered in Bethlehem. God Himself WAS crucified at Golgotha. But it does mean that no matter what happens, God is in control. And we can fully trust in His ability to work all things for His glory and our ultimate good.

Let’s pray: Lord, I thank you that you are the ruler of nations. I confess that too often, I think too highly of the powers of this world and too little of your power. I pray for those who are experiencing fear of man today that you would speak peace to their hearts. I pray you open their eyes to your mighty rule over all things. I pray the prayer your Son taught us to pray: your Kingdom come, and you will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to fear not, for what can man do unto us? Get glory in my life as I submit to your will and way. In Jesus name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. As an expat, what are some areas where you feel powerless (e.g., visa renewals, government regulations, family separation)? How does the reminder of God’s sovereignty over rulers and nations bring peace to those situations?
2. Living in a foreign country can bring unique fears or anxieties. What specific fears are you facing, and how can the promise of Jesus’ presence (“I am with you always”) help you combat those fears?
3. How does knowing that Jesus entered history at a specific time and place strengthen your faith in Him? How can you share this truth with someone who might see Christianity as a myth or impractical faith?