God Is Always at Work
From the Census to the Shepherds
Scripture:
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.”
Luke 2:1 (ESV)
“And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.”
Luke 2:9 (ESV)
Reflection
Luke tells us that the events surrounding the birth of Jesus unfolded during a census ordered by a Roman emperor. To those living at the time, it likely felt like politics, bureaucracy, and disruption. Yet beneath the surface, God was sovereignly orchestrating history to fulfill His ancient promise that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David. What appeared ordinary was in fact divine, what felt inconvenient was purposeful, and in it all God was not reacting to history but actively directing it toward redemption.
When the moment finally came, heaven did not announce the birth of the Savior to kings, priests, or scholars. Angels appeared to shepherds, men considered lowly, overlooked, and insignificant by society. God chose to reveal His glory first to those living on the margins of society, reminding us that His kingdom does not operate by human status or strength. This reflects God’s consistent pattern throughout Scripture of using the weak and the despised to reveal His glory and accomplish His purposes.
The Christmas story is not only about what happened two thousand years ago. It is the story of every one of us. God saw humanity in its brokenness and stepped into our world. He came close. He came humbly. He came to redeem. Jesus did not come because the world was impressive. He came because it was lost. He came because He saw you and me. He came to redeem us from sin, restore us to the Father, and give us new life.
And this is why we celebrate. Not only because Jesus was born, but because He is alive. He has redeemed us, He reigns in glory, and He is coming again. The same God who orchestrated world events and revealed His glory to shepherds is still working today, writing redemption stories in ordinary lives.
Just as the angels declared that night, this good news is for everyone: peace on earth and goodwill to all people.
Reflection Questions
Prayer
Father, thank You for working through ordinary moments to accomplish Your divine purposes. Thank You for sending Jesus to bring peace, redemption, and hope. Help me trust You when I cannot see the full picture and remind me that You are always at work. May my life reflect the peace and goodwill You have shown to all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References
Luke 2:1–7, Luke 2:9–14, Micah 5:2, 1 Corinthians 1:27–29John 1:14
From the Census to the Shepherds
Scripture:
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.”
Luke 2:1 (ESV)
“And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.”
Luke 2:9 (ESV)
Reflection
Luke tells us that the events surrounding the birth of Jesus unfolded during a census ordered by a Roman emperor. To those living at the time, it likely felt like politics, bureaucracy, and disruption. Yet beneath the surface, God was sovereignly orchestrating history to fulfill His ancient promise that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David. What appeared ordinary was in fact divine, what felt inconvenient was purposeful, and in it all God was not reacting to history but actively directing it toward redemption.
When the moment finally came, heaven did not announce the birth of the Savior to kings, priests, or scholars. Angels appeared to shepherds, men considered lowly, overlooked, and insignificant by society. God chose to reveal His glory first to those living on the margins of society, reminding us that His kingdom does not operate by human status or strength. This reflects God’s consistent pattern throughout Scripture of using the weak and the despised to reveal His glory and accomplish His purposes.
The Christmas story is not only about what happened two thousand years ago. It is the story of every one of us. God saw humanity in its brokenness and stepped into our world. He came close. He came humbly. He came to redeem. Jesus did not come because the world was impressive. He came because it was lost. He came because He saw you and me. He came to redeem us from sin, restore us to the Father, and give us new life.
And this is why we celebrate. Not only because Jesus was born, but because He is alive. He has redeemed us, He reigns in glory, and He is coming again. The same God who orchestrated world events and revealed His glory to shepherds is still working today, writing redemption stories in ordinary lives.
Just as the angels declared that night, this good news is for everyone: peace on earth and goodwill to all people.
Reflection Questions
- Where might God be working behind the scenes in my life right now?
- Have I overlooked how God can use ordinary or inconvenient moments for His purposes?
- How does knowing that Jesus came for the lost and the overlooked shape how I live and love others?
Prayer
Father, thank You for working through ordinary moments to accomplish Your divine purposes. Thank You for sending Jesus to bring peace, redemption, and hope. Help me trust You when I cannot see the full picture and remind me that You are always at work. May my life reflect the peace and goodwill You have shown to all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture References
Luke 2:1–7, Luke 2:9–14, Micah 5:2, 1 Corinthians 1:27–29John 1:14
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