BREAKING — Octavianus, who goes by the name Caesar Augustus, has decreed that a census be taken of the entire Roman world.  The adopted son of Julius Caesar, Octavianus has taken the name Caesar as his own and combined it with the title Augustus which means great. Critics believe his name choice is an attempt to make himself look powerful.

Rome demands more cash flow.

Sources close to the empire report that Caesar Augustus, being the first emperor of Rome, is in need of money for his many projects. A concise census will result in a confident calculation of individuals in Rome and in surrounding Roman Empire areas.  Thus, the newly collected data will insure Augustus receives tax revenues from the maximum amount of residents possible.

Not only is wealth needed to support Augustus’ luxurious lifestyle, we also know additional finances are necessary to: help establish a firm professional Roman army presence, build an elaborate infrastructure of roads, and back his support of art, literature, and philosophy.

Travel logistics nightmare.

Citizens are urged to prepare and make travel plans in advance of their specific journey to their home town. Urban and rural inns and establishments are expected to be sold out due to the volume of incoming travelers. It should come as no shock that some travelers may be turned away from housing. However a local innkeeper in Bethlehem states he will offer, if necessary, his barn and manger to any unfortunate guests unable to find shelter.

Local man reports his plans.

A local carpenter, Joseph, from the small village of Nazareth in the province of Galilee, was asked about his travel plans for the census.  Joseph indicated because he is from the linage of David he will be traveling to Bethlehem.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

History reveals King David, son of Jesse, was born in Bethlehem. Regulations state that is why Joseph will register there.

One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse [David] of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him.

Joseph revealed he will not be traveling alone.

The carpenter will be accompanied by his pregnant betrothed, a virgin named Mary. Though travel conditions are expected to be rough and the city of Bethlehem chaotic, Joseph has made no preparatory travel accommodations in Bethlehem. A decision which Virgin Mary probably left up to Joseph.

For the 80 mile journey, it can be expected the young woman will ride on a donkey and perhaps, Joseph will make the trek on foot. In light of her condition, the time frame for the journey may expand the normal approximate travel time of 5 days.

Virgin Mary will take the arduous journey along with her future husband because she is also of the line of David. A reference regarding her family tree is found in Psalm 132:11 – 

The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne.

Future history will reveal the Caesar Augustus’ census demand aids in the completion of what the prophet Micah foretold in Micah 5:2 –

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

As prophesied, God will bless the world with a King born in Bethlehem!

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