In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. (Luke 2:1, 4-5 NIV)
Joseph took his fiancé, to his hometown so that they could be counted in the census. While there she gave birth to Jesus.
When our children were young and we lived far from our hometown; but, we often went home for Christmas. My husband called it home, anyway. I did not. Wherever I lived is where I had always considered home.
We moved a lot over the last 47 years. I no longer even consider the place we live in as home. Over these many long years I have developed a desire to go home; but, not to an earthly home. My true home is the home that Jesus has prepared for me and for all who believe in him. (John 14:2-4)
Paul wrote to the Philippians: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)
The world may require us to participate in census' so they can keep track of who lives where. It is pretty necessary for us to have physical addresses of some sort. (Although, not everyone does.) But, as Christians, we will recognize that our true home is in the Kingdom that was opened for us by the one who was born to that couple traveling to their hometown so long ago.
God's Peace - Pr. J
