Decree

Gateway in Bethlehem, Source http://www.old-picture.com/middle-east/Room-the-Inn-No-001.htm (Public Domain)

Historians can become familiar with Julius Caesar or his nephew Octavian, later known as Caesar Augustus, by reviewing documents by or about them, and artifacts of the time in which they lived. Historians – or anyone else for that matter – may become familiar with Christ, in the same way.

But they become Christian only by knowing Him, the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ.

Christ is a reality to Christians. He has a fundamental impact on our lives. This does not make the facts about Him immaterial. Nor is it meant to suggest that the evidence for Christ’s existence and His teachings is in any way lacking.

But, in the end, it comes down to faith – something for which Christians are frequently belittled. The evidence may be compelling. Christ’s fulfillment of prophecy was certainly astounding. Belief cannot, however, be decreed.

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered…So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city” (Luke 2: 1, 3).

Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, You can use even the harshest governmental and legal decrees to Your ends. How perfect a demonstration that You would have utilized the exercise of Roman power to Your purposes, in the birth of our Savior! Emperors and kings will come and go, but You remain.

When it is time for our accounting, may we be able to claim Salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. May we be able to say on behalf of our nation that it stood as a beacon to those in darkness.

We ask this in His holy Name.

Amen

READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse  http://www.avoicereclaimed.com