It Came To Pass
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 NKJV.
I love that phrase, it came to pass. The story is told of an old man who could hardly read, but he would try to read the Bible. When he came to a place where it said it came to pass, and he would burst out and say, “Praise the Lord, it came to pass, I’m glad it didn’t come to stay”.
The phrase is found 176 times in the (NKJV) Bible.
Governments love to tax people. Taxes pay for armies to protect us, hospitals, highways and schools. Taxes have good uses, though human greed misuses a portion of our tax dollars. When Caesar Augustus, the Emperor of Rome decreed that all those under Roman rule be taxed, he decreed that every family return to their home town to be counted. Everyone into his own city. No one thought much of this except the inconvenience of it, but God was in control. What appeared to be a petty squabble between Caesar and Herod which led to a census was actually God controlling human events.
Because God was in control, it came to pass that Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the exact place the prophet Micah had spoken that the Christ would be born.
“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.” Michah 5:2 NKJV.
If the decree of Caesar Augustus had not been issued, Mary would have had her Baby in Nazareth where she and Joseph lived. But the decree of the Emperor required that every person return to their home town to be counted for tax purposes. They travelled about 155 kilometres from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Mary gave birth to her Child.
Was this coincidence? Did it just happen? No! God was in control.
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, Galatians 4:4 NKJV.
I think we need to remember the glory of that first Christmas and all the reasons why God sent Christ to the earth. That’s worth a good celebration. But in all the festivities and celebrations, let’s not forget a few important things about Christmas.
Christmas is about remembering.
If we forget something, we can’t honour the occasion. Christmas reminds us of the whole Gospel story, it really does! We may be busy with family, food and fun, but at its heart there’s the reminder that God loves us, sent His Son Jesus to the earth, to live and die, and rise again for us.
But Christmas also reminds us that God was in control then, so He is in control now. It may not seem like it, but He is. In world events, in your life and mine, He is in control. Every word of promise will have its, it came to pass, one day.
Christmas is about releasing.
We release or give gifts to one another to show our love and honour for them. Giving is good and right and proper. But Christmas is remembering the greatest ever giver, God.
- Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13
- For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Christmas is about receiving.
A gift is not really given until it is received. Receiving fulfils the giving. Giving is first, then the receiving. We can offend if we do not receive. Some find it hard to receive. We receive gifts from one another, but have we received the greatest ever gift given to the world, Jesus Christ?
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: John 1:12 NKJV.
Our lives stand or fall on our understanding of who Jesus is. Perhaps this Christmas can be a time when we consider again what Christmas is, and who Jesus really is.
Ah yes; Christmas is about remembering, Christmas is about releasing, and Christmas is about receiving.
And don’t forget, it came to pass. Just as the word of the Lord did for the birth of our Saviour, you too, will have your own it came to pass moments, as the promises of God are released and become reality.
Get ready for 2024. I believe that we are in exciting times. There are many it came to pass moments ahead of us I believe. God was faithful to all who were involved in bringing the Saviour to the earth. Just as He was then, I believe He will be faithful in bringing your it came to pass moments into reality.
Be reminded and encouraged of your own it came to pass moments yet to be, as you celebrate Christmas.
Wendy and I join in praying that you and your loved ones will have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and may all the celebrations and activities bring the reality of Jesus our Saviour to many hearts, and may you have many it came to pass fulfilments of God’s word.
Love and Blessings and thank you for being part of the Brief Word family.
Stephen & Wendy Whitwell
Image: Melanie Lovell-Smith
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Have a wonderful Christmas, and may God bless you richly!
