“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register” (Luke 2:1-3).
Luke purpose in writing this book had two directions. He set himself to provide an orderly account of the events surrounding the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth in order to strengthen Theophilus’ faith;
By doing that he presented Jesus as the Son of God – Saviour of the world, rejected by Israel, but making inroads into the Gentile world.
Luke’s gospel can be viewed as an excellent piece of investigative journalism. Investigative journalism is a particular way of writing, which sets out to expose the facts about an event, based on careful investigation (sources, witnesses, etc.).
The events described by Luke were “well known” by many people .Paul used a similar approach in his conversation with King Agrippa (Acts 26:26).
As soon as Luke introduces his work, he places it in a historical and geographical context…that is: in our time frame (Luke 1:5). His wasn’t a “once upon the time” story…neither a story from another planet or world.
The Christmas story has its beginnings in the time of King Herod. The story reaches its climax during the days of Caesar Augustus – Emperor of Rome.
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world” (Luke 2:1).
The “interesting” bit from all this is that “…everyone went to his own town to register” (Luke 2:3). So Joseph and Mary, in obedience to a government directive, travelled to Joseph’ native village (Luke 2:4).
All of which leads to Bethlehem – the birthplace of King David – to a manger and finally to the birth of Jesus.
While “the world” was busy doing its own things, “behind the scenes” heaven was working out its plan of salvation.