Your Faith Journey - Finding God Through Words, Song And Praise

“In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.”  Now, as we begin to ponder this cherished and treasured story, I am going to say something that just may shatter all your preconceived notions about this reading.  I must tell you, there is no historical evidence that this census, as told by the writer of Luke’s gospel, ever took place.  And, furthermore, unless there is something we do not know, the writer of Luke’s gospel also seems to be incorrect about Quirinius or Herod or both because the traditional dating of the birth of Jesus would locate it during the reigns of neither Herod the Great nor Quirinius.  So, what is going on here?  Well, Luke is not interested in giving us an accurate historical account of Jesus’ birth because he is interested in proclaiming a much deeper truth, a truth that is full of wonder and awe.   Luke gives us this information, not as history, but as a theological work to tell the story of One who has come into this world to change a